The Comédie-Française is closing its doors! But don’t worry, it’s not forever. From January 16th until next July, the iconic Richelieu theatre will undergo major renovations. These upgrades are quite overdue, considering the theater has been standing for over 200 years with very few renovations. The troupe of Molière has called it home since 1799, and the hall itself was originally built in 1680 by royal decree from Louis XIV.
To continue exploring the most beautiful pieces in the Richelieu Hall, the stage floor needs to be restored, as it is at risk of simply collapsing. The technical spaces must also be restructured, brought up to code, and expanded to accommodate storage for scenery and costumes. Additionally, the reopening of the foyer and the grand staircase will see a full renovation to bring back their former splendor. Energy efficiency upgrades are also planned throughout until 2030. However, for everything else, the theater will need to close completely for several months, with a scheduled reopening around July 2026.
Meanwhile, you can continue exploring comedies and tragedies across 11 theaters in Paris and Nanterre. Actors from the Comédie-Française are currently taking shelter at the Studio-Théatre and the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier, while performances are ongoing at venues such as the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, Petit Saint-Martin, Théâtre du Rond-Point, Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe, Montparnasse Theatre, Nanterre-Amandiers, 13e Art, La Villette-Grande Halle, and the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française
On October 21, 1680, the Comédie-Française was founded by order of King Louis XIV, the result of a merger between Molière's troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The sovereign's idea was simple: to put an end to the quarrels between the two rival troupes, while reaffirming royalty by promoting classical French theater, at a time when the Comédie-Italienne was very much in vogue. [Read more]
Location
Comédie française - Salle Richelieu
1 Place Colette
75001 Paris 1
Access
Metro Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre
Official website
www.comedie-francaise.fr
Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française
