Logo Musée du Patrimoine

All French heritage classified by regions, departments and cities

Municipal Theatre of Auxerre dans l'Yonne

Patrimoine classé
Patrimoine urbain
Théâtre
Yonne

Municipal Theatre of Auxerre

    54 Rue Joubert
    89000 Auxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Théâtre municipal dAuxerre
Crédit photo : Clément-météo - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1900
2000
1939-1942
Artistic achievements of Burkhalter
1937-1950
Construction of the People's House
1953
Building inauguration
2012
Registration for Historic Monuments
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Facades; roofs; supporting structures; large concert hall, including the balcony and decors made by Jean Burkhalter on the walls and dome; the ceramic panel of Sèvres appearing an allegory of the View by Clément Freyssinges and Roger Sivault after a drawing by Georges-André Klein (Box BI 229, see plan annexed to the decree): inscription by decree of 20 July 2012

Key figures

Jean Burkhalter - Artist decorator Author of the Zodiacal fresco and decors.
Clément Freyssinges - Ceramicist (Manufacture of Sèvres) Allegorical panel *view*.
Roger Sivault - Ceramicist (Manufacture of Sèvres) Collaboration with ornamental panels.
Georges-André Klein - Drafter Author of the drawing for the panel.

Origin and history

The Municipal Theatre of Auxerre, originally conceived as a People's House, was built between 1937 and 1950 and inaugurated in 1953. This versatile venue, intended for workers' gatherings, included a sports hall (today's show hall) and a large hall dedicated to parties and meetings. Its architecture and decor reflect its social functions, combining allegories of work (agriculture, construction) and the arts, in a style marked by the time.

Between 1939 and 1942, artist Jean Burkhalter made a zodiacal fresco adorning the dome of the large hall, while the walls were decorated with Arts-Deco compositions. Ceramicists from the Sèvres factory, including Clement Freyssinges and Roger Sivault, contributed to ceramic ornamental panels, visible in the current theatre café. These elements, as well as the supporting structure and facades, were protected by an inscription at the Historic Monuments in 2012.

The building illustrates the evolution of public spaces in the 20th century, from a militant and sporting place to a municipal theatre. Its decoration, combining astrological symbols, allegories of work and ceramic art, demonstrates a desire to combine social utility and artistic ambition. The Burkhalter fresco and the Sèvres panels, inspired by Georges-André Klein, make this a remarkable example of the decorative heritage of the inter-war and post-war era.

External links