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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Théâtre Montansier de Versailles, built on 13 rue des Reservoirs, is an 18th century Italian theatre, inaugurated on 18 November 1777 in the presence of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. He owes his name to Marguerite Brunet, dit Mademoiselle Montansier, director of shows following the Court, who was its instigator. This theatre, built in less than ten months by architect Jean-François Heurtier, is distinguished by its perfect circled hall, an innovation for the period, and a facade decorated with sculptures depicting the muses Thalie and Melpomène.

Prior to its current construction, a first theatre led by Mademoiselle Montansier existed on Rue Royale since 1768. Wishing to escape conflicts with her partners, she acquired land belonging to the Count of Provence (future Louis XVIII) and obtained a royal act granting him exclusive exploitation. The theatre, conceived as a modern rotunda, was quickly a popular place by the court, with a royal lodge accessible directly from the castle. Marie-Antoinette, before preferring her theatre of the Trianon, regularly attended performances.

The Montansier theatre has undergone several notable restorations. In 1823, the original ceiling painted by Bocquet (representing Apollo and the muses) was replaced by a new decor. In 1834 the city of Versailles became the owner and began work, including a zinc marquise added in 1841. The restoration of 1851, led by Charles Séchan, introduces a floral ceiling and sculptures of Cruchet, still visible today. In 1936, the theatre returned to its original colours (blue and gold) and was officially named "Montansier". The last major restoration, between 1992 and 1993, revealed original decorations and reconstructed the stage curtain representing the Neptune basin.

Over the centuries, the theatre has welcomed major figures from the show. In the 19th century, actors like Mademoiselle Mars (de la Comédie-Française) were produced, while in the 20th century, personalities such as Jean Vilar, Danielle Darrieux or Jean-Louis Barrault marked his history. In 1961, Marcelle Tassencourt, appointed director, revived his prestige by combining local creations and Parisian shows. She also founded the Festival de Versailles, forerunner of Mois Molière. Since 2013, Geneviève Dichamp and Frédéric Franck have been leading the theatre, combining public and private theatre.

Ranked a historic monument in 1991 for its interior decorations, the Montansier Theatre remains a dynamic cultural place. He participates actively in the life of the Versaillaise, especially during Heritage Days or Molière Month. In 2017, its 240th anniversary was celebrated by an exhibition and special performances, recalling its central role in French theatre history. Its exceptional acoustics and architecture make it a must-see site, frequented by both residents and tourists.

The theatre was also used as a stage for several films, such as Les Liaisons dangereux (1988) and La Jeune Fille et la Mort (1994) by Roman Polanski. A famous anecdote tells that Marie-Antoinette, seduced by the smell of a cabbage soup served on stage during the Moissonneurs, asked to taste it, creating a culinary tradition in theatre. Today, Montansier combines heritage and modernity, perpetuating the legacy of Mademoiselle Montansier while opening up to contemporary creations.

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