Right in the heart of Paris, on the Place du Châtelet, the Théâtre du Chatelet welcomes show lovers and stands as a standard-bearer for the performing arts in the capital. Listed as a historic monument since 1979, it stands out as a beautiful showcase with a sumptuous décor inside and out.
The Théâtre du Châtelet opened its doors in 1862, at a time when Paris was in full artistic and cultural swing. From the outset, it hosted a variety of shows, from opera and musicals to dance and theater. It thus contributed to enriching the cultural life of the French capital.
The theater has two main halls: the Grand Salle, which seats around 2,500 spectators, and the Théâtre de la Ville, with a capacity of around 600. These spaces are equipped with the latest audiovisual technologies, guaranteeing an immersive experience for the audience. It has witnessed key moments in the life of the capital, from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties, via periods of war and reconstruction. Its stages have been trodden by such renowned artists as Maurice Ravel, Serge Diaghilev and many others.
The Théâtre du Châtelet also hosted the first performance in France ofIgor Stravinsky 's famous ballet "The Rite of Spring" in 1913, a performance that marked a turning point in the history of music and dance. Today, the Théâtre du Châtelet continues to play a central role in the cultural life of Paris, preserving its heritage while looking to the future.
La Cage aux Folles: the cult musical at the Théâtre du Châtelet with Laurent Lafitte—our review
La Cage aux Folles, the cult Broadway musical inspired by Jean Poiret's play, is making a comeback in Paris in a brand new French production. Created by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman (music), the show will be at the Théâtre du Châtelet from December 5, 2025, to January 10, 2025, with Laurent Lafitte in the legendary role of Zaza. Here's what we thought. [Read more]
Les p'tits fauteuils, children's shows at the Théâtre du Châtelet to see in 2025-2026
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, from October 2025 to June 2026, Les P'tits fauteuils will be putting on one show a month, always on a Sunday, for the whole family to enjoy. Concerts, plays, storytelling... At last, your children can come to the theater like grown-ups, with shows adapted to their needs. [Read more]
Afanador by Ballet Nacional de España: flamenco between tradition and reinvention
The Ballet Nacional de España presents Afanador at the Théâtre du Châtelet from March 27 to April 2, 2026, a creation by Marcos Morau inspired by photography. [Read more]
La Vie parisienne at the Théâtre du Châtelet: the spirit of Offenbach in a festive Paris
Jacques Offenbach's opéra bouffe comes to the Théâtre du Châtelet from June 12 to July 11, 2026, in a contemporary staging by Valérie Lesort, combining social satire and Parisian festivities. [Read more]
Top Hat at the Théâtre du Châtelet: tap dance, romance and old-fashioned Broadway
Fred Astaire, tap dancing and unforgettable melodies: Top Hat, Irving Berlin's musical film classic, comes to the Théâtre du Châtelet from April 15 to May 3, 2026 for an elegant stage adaptation. [Read more]
L'Annonce faite à Marie: a chamber opera of mysticism and introspection at the Théâtre du Châtelet
From January 28 to February 3, 2026, the Théâtre du Châtelet plays host to "L'Annonce faite à Marie", Paul Claudel's work revisited as a contemporary opera by Philippe Leroux and Célie Pauthe. Between faith, intimate turmoil and musical experimentation. [Read more]
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Location
Théâtre du Châtelet
1 Place du Châtelet
75001 Paris 1
Official website
www.chatelet.com
