Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, an architectural masterpiece situated in the heart of Bordeaux at the elegant Place de la Comédie, serves as a cultural beacon for the city.
Inaugurated on April 17, 1780, the theatre has played host to momentous events such as the premiere of the ballet ‘La fille mal gardée’ in 1789, and was a launchpad for the young choreographer Marius Petipa.
Designed by the renowned architect Victor Louis, who later contributed to the gardens of the Palais Royal and Théâtre Français in Paris, this neoclassical marvel is adorned with a façade of 12 colossal Corinthian columns, supporting an entablature featuring the nine Muses and three goddesses: Juno, Venus, and Minerva. The intricate statues, primarily crafted by Pierre-François Berruer and his assistant Van den Drix, lend a majestic touch to the structure.
The interior, graced by a grand staircase that inspired the one at the Opéra Garnier in Paris, is a world of opulence. An exquisite ceiling fresco by Jean-Baptiste-Claude Robin pays homage to the arts, artisans, and the city of Bordeaux itself, capturing the essence of Bordeaux’s wealth: wine, sea trade, and its historical connection to commerce.
Today, the Grand Théâtre serves as the seat of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, offering an incredible roster of operas, ballets, and concerts. If you stroll far enough back on the nearby Allées de Tourny, you may even catch sight of the theatre’s domed roof, an often-overlooked architectural wonder.
