Ever wondered where Geneva’s traditional humor comes to life? It’s right here at the Casino Théâtre. This building has been entertaining Geneva for over a century.
Let’s step back to 1881. Eugène Henri Villard and his wife Joséphine Dubouloz built a brasserie with a performance hall. They called it Brasserie de l’Espérance. It was a popular spot. So they added an annex and an outdoor stage for summer concerts.
Later, Joseph Antoine Henri Cliquet de Beaulieu took over. He dreamed of a real theater. He hired two young architects. In 1898, they created a taller building with a new facade. The style was a mix of Jugendstil and Baroque. Look up to see the anchor emblem. It gave the building its name Casino de l’Espérance. “Comédie” and “Opérette” were written clearly on the facade.
Inside, it had a horseshoe-shaped hall. There was an Italian-style stage. A café and dressing rooms completed the setup. Alfred Pery bought the Casino in 1903. His son modernized it. Sadly, it lost some of its original flair.
By 1983, the City of Geneva bought the Casino Théâtre. It was quite run-down. They started a major restoration. The building lacked proper foundations. Workers added a concrete slab and a stage tower. A design competition restored the glass roof. Today, the Casino Théâtre shines brightly. Four light pillars mark it as a place of entertainment.
The Casino Théâtre is home to the Revue genevoise. It also hosts plays, operettas, concerts, and comedy shows. It stays true to its original purpose. Perhaps you will see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory here in 2025. The Simply Theatre Academy students will perform. It will be an electrifying experience.