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Origin and history

The Rennes Theatre, also known as Opéra, is a building created by an ambitious urban project in the 19th century. Designed by architect Charles Millardet and built between 1832 and 1836, it replaces ephemeral theatres such as the Pigeon Hall (destructed in 1787) or the Poulairerie Hall (active until 1836). Its location in front of the town hall, designed by Jacques V Gabriel, creates an architectural harmony: the advance of the theatre responds to the hollow of the town hall. The Italian-style opera was inaugurated in 1836 under the July monarchy, symbolizing Rennes' desire to compete with Nantes or Lorient.

The fire of 1856, triggered by a fire, partially ravages the building. Rather than demolishing it, the municipality chose to reconstruct it in identical fashion under the direction of Millardet. The theatre is then integrated into an innovative housing complex: the Galeries du Théâtre, built in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century, houses and shops under a glass roof. These galleries, on three floors, resume Gabriel's ordinance. Their construction even uses the rubble of the Rennes fire of 1720 to fill the square, today place of the Town Hall.

The ceiling of the hall, masterpiece by Jean-Julien Lemordant (1914), represents a Breton farandole with dancers and ringers in traditional costumes. Sponsored by Mayor Jean Janvier, this Heaven is inspired by 60 preparatory studies, including one preserved at the Museum of Fine Arts in Rennes. Other interior decorations, such as the hair salon (1918) attributed to Camille Godet, evoke World War I, although poorly documented. The Jobbé-Duval brothers, on the other hand, adorn the home. These elements, as well as facades and roofs, are protected by several inscriptions in the Historical Monuments between 1961 and 1983.

In the 20th century, opera was modernizing: in 1997-1998, 50 million francs were invested to restore the ceiling, improve acoustics and expand the stage. Since 2009, the Outdoor Opera has been broadcasting live the last performance of the season on the square, attracting 6,000 to 8,000 spectators. Directed by Alain Surrans (2005-2017) and Matthieu Rietzler (since 2018), the venue remains dedicated to lyrical art, with a close to 100% attendance. Its status as a historical monument (classifications from 1961 to 1983) enshrines its heritage and cultural role in Brittany.

The 11th building, Theatre Gallery, dating from the 1st half of the 18th century, bears witness to the early history of the site. The square, successively named Flesselles, of the People, to the Trees, then to the Theatre (1832), was originally to host a palace of the governor, abandoned project. The galleries, with their protected arcades and roofs, illustrate the integration of theatre into urban life: commerce, housing and culture coexist. Today, Rennes Opera, one of the smallest in France, continues this centuries-old tradition of performing in the heart of the city.

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