Honoring a comedian, this street holds more than just a name. Rue André Bernardeau in the 18th arrondissement whispers stories of Parisian history. This isn’t just any street. It is a tribute to André Antoine. He was the founder of the Théâtre-Libre.
Rue André Bernardeau begins at 24 Boulevard de Clichy. It ends at 21 Rue des Abbesses. This street is shaped like a Y. One of its upper branches ends in a dead end. Like many streets in this area, it has a steep slope. This slope is managed by stairs.
Once called Passage de l’Élysée-des-Beaux-Arts the street has evolved. This former name came from a public dance hall that disappeared in 1894. The street was created in 1773 on land belonging to the Comte de Montdidier.
During World War I, specifically on June 8, 1918, a shell launched by the Grosse Bertha exploded in the Passage de l’Élysée-des-Beaux-Arts.
In 1932, it was renamed Rue de l’Élysée-des-Beaux-Arts. Later, it received its current name by a prefectoral decree.
At number 10, you will find a plaque dedicated to André Antoine. From 1869 to 1896, the École de Musique Niedermeyer was located here. Number 14 is a private mansion from the Louis XVI era. It belonged to the Rochechouart family. This was once a 17th-century hunting lodge. Only the well remains from that time. The building was rebuilt in the late 18th century. It became a small private mansion and later the residence of the singer La Malibran during the Restoration.
Léon Tanzi, a painter, lived at number 18 in the 19th century. Number 37 marks the location of a former small theater. It featured sculptures by François Cogné. Georges Seurat had a studio at number 39 from 1890 to 1891.
Rue André Bernardeau is not very long. It measures about 280 meters. Its width is approximately five meters. The street’s history is intertwined with the arts. It honors a theatrical pioneer. It also houses buildings with artistic pasts. Next time you stroll along Rue André Bernardeau remember that the stones beneath your feet have seen theaters music and war.