Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Madeleine Theatre, located at 19 rue de Surène in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, was built between 1922 and 1924 by architect Charles Imandt. It replaces an ancient horse ride and stands out for its reinforced concrete structure and an 18th-century façade. The hall, with 782 seats, quickly became a major cultural place in the capital.

Inaugurated in 1924, the theatre was first successful in 1925 with Marcel Pagnol's Les Marchands de Glory. From 1930 to 1944, it was directed by Sacha Guitry, which made it a high place in the Parisian theatre. After World War II, figures such as André Roussin, Simone Valère, and Jean Desailly made their mark until 2002. The theatre was listed as a Historic Monument in 1994.

Between 2002 and 2015, Madeleine's theatre alternates between various artistic directions, welcoming classical (Le Cid, Antigone) and contemporary (Diplomatie, Love Letters). In 2015, Dominique Bergin and Michel Lumbroso resumed management, with a programming combining comedy (Let's make a dream), dramas (Le Roi Lear) and one-man-shows. The architecture and history of the place make it a symbol of Parisian private theatre.

The theatre is also known for its collaborations with renowned actors such as André Dussollier, Nicole Garcia, or Fabrice Luchini. In 2023-2024, his programming included original creations (Bungalow 21 by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt) and classic covers (Le Vertige). Its membership in the network of Associated Parisian Theatres strengthens its anchor in the French cultural landscape.

The facade, classified for its neo-XVIIIe style, contrasts with its modern reinforced concrete structure. The theatre remains a living place, combining architectural heritage and stage innovation, while perpetuating the tradition of Parisian private theatre initiated at the beginning of the twentieth century.

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