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All French heritage classified by regions, departments and cities

  2. Patrimoine
  3. Paris
  4. Paris 2ème
  5. 75002 Paris 2e Arrondissement

  6. Théâtre national de l'Opéra-Comique de Paris

 Théâtre national de l'Opéra-Comique de Paris à Paris 1er dans Paris 2ème

Patrimoine classé
Théâtre
Théâtre ou salle de spectacle de Paris
Paris

Théâtre national de l'Opéra-Comique de Paris

    5 Rue Favart
    75002 Paris 2e Arrondissement
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Théâtre national de lOpéra-Comique de Paris
Crédit photo : Andreas Praefcke - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Antiquité
Haut Moyen Âge
Moyen Âge central
Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
0
100
…
1700
1800
1900
2000
14-15 janvier 1838
Fire from the first room
26 décembre 1714
Foundation of the Opéra Comique
28 avril 1783
Inauguration first room Favart
1840
Reconstruction by Charpentier
25 mai 1887
Killer fire
7 décembre 1898
Opening of the current room
1936
Reconciliation with the Paris Opera
26 décembre 1977
Historical Monument
1990
Independence recovered
1er janvier 2005
Statute of EPIC
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Theatre: by order of 26 December 1977

Key figures

Catherine Baron - Co-founder Initiator of the Opéra Comique in 1714.
Gautier de Saint-Edme - Co-founder Creator with Catherine Baron in 1714.
Jean Monnet - Director (XVIII century) Relaunch the theatre with Charles-Simon Favart.
Charles-Simon Favart - Author and Director Key figure of initial success.
Marie-Antoinette - Symbolic godmother Presented at the inauguration of 1783.
Théodore Charpentier - Architect (1840) Designs the second Favart room.
Louis Bernier - Architect (1898) Author of the current room, eclectic.
Léon Carvalho - Director (XIXth century) Directed during the fire of 1887.
Georges Bizet - Symbolic composer Author of *Carmen* (1875), created at the Opéra Comique.
Benjamin-Constant - Ceiling painter Author of *Glorification of music* (room).
Jérôme Savary - Director (2000-2007) Relaunch the costume workshop and modernise the programming.
William Christie - Conductor Directed baroque productions (e.g. *Atys* in 1987).

Origin and history

The Opéra Comique National Theatre, nicknamed the Favart Hall, is a major cultural institution in Paris, located in Boieldieu Square in the 2nd arrondissement. Founded in 1714 under Louis XIV by Catherine Baron and Gautier de Saint-Edme, it emerges from the troupes of the Parisian fairs, specialized in pantomimes and parodys of operas. Its originality lies in the alternation of spoken dialogues and sung parts, a feature that still distinguishes it today.

The Opéra-Comique has a turbulent history, marked by repeated closures in the 18th century due to rivalries with other Parisian theatres. In 1783, the first Favart Hall was inaugurated in the presence of Marie-Antoinette, but was destroyed by fire in 1838. Reconstructed in 1840 by Théodore Charpentier, it burned again in 1887 during a representation of Mignon, killing 84. These tragedies lead to advances in safety, such as the adoption of electric lighting.

The third and current Favart Hall, designed by Louis Bernier, was inaugurated in 1898. It is distinguished by its eclectic architecture, mixing metal, marbles and frescoes signed by renowned artists such as Benjamin-Constant or Henri Gervex. The theatre became a public establishment in 1936 and regained its independence in 1990 after the construction of the Opéra Bastille. Today, it combines historical lyrical repertoire with contemporary creations, while preserving its architectural and artisanal heritage, like its costume workshop using natural pigments.

The Opéra-Comique has hosted major works, such as Carmen de Bizet (1875) or Les Contes d'Hoffmann d'Offenbach (1881), and has been directed by notable figures, including Léon Carvalho or Jérôme Savary. His home, his salons and his room "à la française" reflect an exceptional artistic heritage, with allegorical decorations celebrating music and poetry. Ranked a Historical Monument in 1977, it remains a symbol of French lyrical genius.

The foundation created in 2007 under the aegis of the Fondation de France supports its outreach, in particular through accessibility actions for disadvantaged audiences. The theatre continues to innovate, as evidenced by its baroque productions directed by William Christie or its collaborations with contemporary directors. His unique costume workshop perpetuates traditional know-how while serving as a reference for the National Centre for Scene Costume in Moulins.

Despite the financial crises and reconstructions, the Opéra Comique was able to preserve its identity: a place of human size, close to its audience, where tradition and modernity blend together. Its history reflects the technical (from lighting to gas to electricity) and societal (passing from a bourgeois audience to diversified programming), while remaining faithful to its founding spirit: an accessible and innovative lyrical art.

External links

Page Wikipedia
Page Monumentum