Construction decision 1835 (≈ 1835)
Municipal project initiated by Boullé.
1837
Inauguration of the theatre
Inauguration of the theatre 1837 (≈ 1837)
Opening according to plans of Boullé.
1914-1918
Military cantonment
Military cantonment 1914-1918 (≈ 1916)
Used during the First War.
1928-1930
Restoration and modernization
Restoration and modernization 1928-1930 (≈ 1929)
Art Deco additions by Talbourdeau.
1932-1984
Film exploitation
Film exploitation 1932-1984 (≈ 1958)
Operation in the cinema.
1er avril 2021
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 1er avril 2021 (≈ 2021)
Full site protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, the theatre of Guéret, located 2 places Varillas and 17 boulevard Carnot, on Parcel No. 60, appearing in the cadastre section BE, as well as the plot in front of the facade and stair down to the boulevard, not cadastre, public domain (section BH of the cadastre), as represented in red on the plan annexed to the decree: inscription by order of 1 April 2021
Key figures
Vincent-Marie Boullé - Architect
Original designer of theatre (1837).
Gilbert Talbourdeau - Architect
Art Deco renovation (1928-1930).
Rose Chéri - Actress
Started his career in this theatre.
Origin and history
The Guéret Municipal Theatre, built in 1837 according to the plans of architect Vincent-Marie Boullé, is a typical example of Italian theatre. Its construction was decided in 1835 by the municipality, with a room with two balconies and boxes decorated with Corinthian columns from a local chapel. The sober facade features curved bays and a forebody housing the fireplace.
During the First World War, the building served as a quartering for the soldiers, accelerating its deterioration. It was only in 1928-1930 that a major restoration was undertaken by architect Gilbert Talbourdeau, adding Art Deco elements (ferronries, Louis XVI wallpapers) and partially transforming space into a cinema, active from 1932 to 1984. The original manual machinery is partly preserved.
Ranked a historic monument in April 2021, the theatre today benefits from the efforts of the Masquarades association to preserve this unique cultural heritage. It embodies both the architectural heritage of the 19th century and the adaptations of the 20th century, while remaining an emblematic place of local artistic life. The actress Rose Chéri began her career there, highlighting her historical importance in the world of entertainment.
The work of the 1990s and the recent protection (2021) aim to perpetuate its cultural vocation. The site includes a plot and a staircase down to Carnot Boulevard, protected elements with the building. Its official address, 2 Place Varillas, makes it a central point of the city of Guéret, in the department of Creuse.
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