The Palais-Royal, a historic theater in the heart of Paris

The Palais-Royal theater is located at 38 rue de Montpensier in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Every evening, from Monday to Saturday, the theater hosts a variety of plays in a hall that seats 716 .

Just a stone's throw from the Comédie-Française, the Palais-Royal theater is also steeped in history. In 1637, Cardinal de Richelieu had a theater built on the east wing of the Palais-Royal building. Molière's Troupe and the Théâtre-italien alternated on the stage until Richelieu's death. Composer Lully reclaimed the premises and created the Académie Royale de Musique. Unfortunately, a fire ravaged the premises in 1770, followed by a second fire in 1781 during a performance of Gluck's Orphée. A new auditorium was then built to the west of the Palais-Royal building, on the site of today's Comédie-Française. After a few years, the theater closed and was taken over by Joseph-Jean Contat-Desfontaines, better known as"Dormeuil", and became the Théâtre du Palais Royal on June 6, 1831. The theater has been privately owned since 2010, and belongs to the"Théâtres parisiens associés" group.

The 716-seat auditorium also hosts ballets and musicals. Decorated in red velvet and gilded, the auditorium was redecorated in 1880 by architect Paul Sédille, giving it a style typical of the Louis XV era.

The Théâtre du Palais-Royal can be booked for private concerts, press conferences or product presentations. A restaurant is also available, with dinner + show offers.

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• This week's tips in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, December 8-14, 2025

The Théâtre du Palais-Royal presents critically acclaimed plays such asAlexis Michalik'sEdmond , which won 5 Molières.

Upcoming news from the Théâtre du Palais-Royal

Du charbon dans les veines: the play that won five Molières arrives at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal
After Adieu Monsieur Haffmann and Petit coiffeur, Jean-Philippe Daguerre returns with a new theatrical creation: Du charbon dans les veines. The play, which focuses on mineworkers in the 1950s in a deeply moving narrative, won no fewer than 5 Molières and is now coming to the Théâtre du Palais-Royal! [Read more]