Are you ready for an eventful cultural weekend? In September, Parisians and Ile-de-France residents will be able to discover the capital's most beautiful museums, buildings and other institutions free of charge , on the occasion of the 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). If you're a theater enthusiast, the Comédie-Française is the place to be on September 20 and 21, 2025 , when we invite you to take a behind-the-scenes look at this emblematic institution.
This building in the 1st arrondissement of Paris is an Italian-style theater built by Victor Louis between 1786 and 1790, in the Salle Richelieu of the Palais-Royal. The Troupe de la Comédie-Française, founded in 1680 at the Hôtel de Guénégaud, moved here in 1799. The theater underwent several transformations, in 1822, from 1860 to 1864, and again after a fire in 1900. Today, this cultural institution still shines with plays performed in the purest tradition.
A little anecdote: the theater is nicknamed "La Maison de Molière" (the House of Molière), as he was once considered the institution's "patron". Yet the famous playwright had been dead for seven years when the first troupe of the Comédie-Française was created... The chair in which Molière died on stage is on display here, at the back of the bust gallery. A great opportunity to discover this legendary piece of furniture!
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: architectural treasures to explore in Paris and the Île-de-France region
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) take place this weekend, September 20 and 21, 2025, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. For architecture fans, this is your chance to discover the secrets of the most surprising monuments in the Paris region through architectural tours! [Read more]
During the new Journées du Patrimoine in Paris, theaters and concert halls are opening their doors free of charge to reveal what goes on behind the scenes, on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025. Shall we sneak on stage, folks? [Read more]
Please note that the number of places is limited, so you'll need to be quick to register, which usually takes place at the beginning of September.
Discover more than three centuries of Paris Opera history on our guided tour, savoring the beauty of our tangible (architecture) and intangible (music) heritage. As you wander through the streets of Paris, you'll discover opera houses past and present, those that have been abandoned and those where arias still resonate today. On the menu are the stories and anecdotes of the lives of great composers and musicians, political intrigues and crimes of passion, as well as the musical finesses that make this unique musical genre so rich. Photos and sound effects illustrate this lyrical stroll.
Outdoor tour only
Meet in front of the main entrance to the Comédie-Française theater
1 Place Colette, 75001 Paris
These 2-hour tours retrace the history and workings of the theater through its collection of works of art, as well as its current operations: the troupe, the repertoire, the rotation, the three theaters, the trades, the whole life of a theater that gives nearly 900 performances per season.
Opening hours:
- 9:30 am to 11:30 am
- 10am to 12pm
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The same tours are available all year round at weekends.
You can register on the Comédie-Française website.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Comédie-Française
1 Place Colette
75001 Paris 1
Access
Metro lines 1 and 7 "Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre" station
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: architectural treasures to explore in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: the program at Paris theaters and concert halls
