A whisper of history hangs in the Parisian air. We stand before the Théâtre du Châtelet. Its grandeur speaks volumes.
This isn’t just a theatre. It’s a living testament to Parisian history. Built between 1860 and 1862 by Gabriel Davioud at the behest of Baron Haussmann. It replaced an older theatre. This was part of Haussmann’s ambitious redesign of Paris. Originally named the Théâtre Impérial du Châtelet. It has seen many changes over the years. The theatre was constructed on the site of a châtelet a small castle or fortress.
Originally designed for Hippolyte Hostein’s equestrian company. The Théâtre Impérial du Cirque it seated around 2200 people. Haussmann however claimed it held 3600. The opening program included military works and fairy tales. Dramas and vaudevilles followed.
The Franco-Prussian War closed the theatre from 1870 to 1871. The ‘Impérial’ was dropped after the fall of the Second Empire. Hippolyte Hostein returned as director in 1873-1874. A remarkable event was the 64-year run of Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. This stage adaptation ran for an astounding 2195 performances. Only the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1940 brought it to a close.
The 20th century saw a diverse array of performances. Operettas ballets classical and popular music concerts filled its stage. It even served as a cinema for a time. The Ballets Russes debuted here. Premiering works by Stravinsky Dukas Nijinsky Ravel and Satie. Legendary figures like Tchaikovsky Mahler and Strauss graced its stage.
The City of Paris took over in 1979. After a major restoration in 1980 it reopened as the Théâtre Musical de Paris. It later reverted to its original name. Shirley Horn recorded a live album here in 1992. For a time opera and concerts were its main focus.
Under the artistic direction of Stéphane Lissner. Improvements were made to acoustics and sightlines. Then Jean-Luc Choplin shifted the focus. Introducing more lucrative Broadway musicals. A 2017-2019 renovation cost $34.7 million. It restored the Grand Salle to its 1862 appearance. Allegorical statues were also returned to their place outside.
Today the Ballon d’Or ceremony is held annually within its walls. A testament to the Théâtre du Châtelet’s enduring legacy. A place of art and history a stage for the world. It continues to evolve but its history remains a captivating story. A story we’ve just begun to uncover.