Marvelous Marigny isn’t it? Cours Marigny that is. A Parisian thoroughfare steeped in history. It’s not just a street. It’s a living link to the past. A connection to a time long gone.
Cours Marigny began its life not as the street we see today. It started as the Square Marigny. A magician and conjurer received a concession in 1835. He began performing there. After the French Revolution a small performance space called Salle Lacaze was built.
Then came Jacques Offenbach. He orchestrated the construction of a theatre. This was for the Universal Exhibition of 1855. Built on the same spot as Salle Lacaze it opened in July 1855.
This wasn’t the end of the story. The theatre changed hands. It was renamed the Folies-Marigny. Sadly it was demolished in 1881. A grander replacement was planned.
Charles Garnier the architect of the Palais Garnier designed the new theatre. Opened in 1885 it was an immediate success. It thrived under Abel Deval from 1910. Later Leon Volterra modernized and expanded it in the 1920s.
After World War II the Theatre Marigny became prestigious. It showcased many successful performances. In the 1950s a smaller room the Petit Marigny was added.
Later renovations transformed the Petit Marigny into another theatre. It was renamed the Popesco. The television show Au Theatre Ce Soir was hosted there from the 1960s to the mid-1980s.
Today the Theatre Marigny boasts two auditoriums. The main one seats about 1000. The Popesco which was formerly the Gabriel seats 300. The smaller space often hosts solo acts.
The Bar du Theatre Marigny opens 45 minutes before performances. Enjoy an aperitif or a snack before the show. Its location is perfect. It’s close to other Parisian attractions. Yet it offers the peace of the Champs-Élysées gardens.
The Theatre Marigny is easily accessible from Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It’s within the beautiful gardens. There’s even a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby. The theatre offers easy access for disabled visitors. Booking in advance is recommended.
So next time you’re in Paris remember Cours Marigny. It’s more than just a street. It’s a captivating journey through time. A treasure chest of Parisian history. A story waiting to be discovered.