“Did you know the Théâtre du Gymnase once housed nuns?” I ask. The Théâtre du Gymnase stands before you a testament to Marseille’s vibrant history.
This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a cornerstone of Marseille’s cultural scene. It opened its doors in 1804. Before becoming a theatre it was a chapel. Specifically the chapel of the Couvent des Lyonnaises a convent of Franciscan nuns. Can you imagine the transformation? From hushed prayers to roaring applause.
Giraud Destinval an actor from the Grand Théâtre spearheaded the change. He wanted a theatre dedicated to comedy and operetta. He purchased the partially destroyed convent. Architect Paul Audibert designed the new building. Defougere an engineer oversaw construction. The theatre was initially named the Théâtre Français. It quickly gained popularity. Vaudevilles comedies melodramas and even Provençal plays graced its stage.
Parisian stars flocked to Marseille. Désaugiers Mademoiselle George and the legendary Sarah Bernhardt all performed here. The Théâtre du Gymnase wasn’t just a theatre. It was a social hub. A place for students to attend plays based on their studies. Think of the lively discussions that must have followed those performances. In the 1950s productions like L’École des Femmes and Les Fourberies de Scapin were staged with breathtaking sets designed by Christian Bérard.
Even Jacques Brel Charles Aznavour and Reda Caire graced the stage as singers. During World War II the theatre’s ticket booth was managed by Voline. Imagine the stories he could tell. The theatre’s popularity continued throughout the 20th century. It saw performances by Louis Jouvet and Jean Weber. However age and wear eventually caught up. The Théâtre du Gymnase closed in 1980. It reopened in 1986 thanks to the Marseille municipality and the American philanthropist Armand Hammer.
Today the Théâtre du Gymnase continues its legacy. It works with the adjacent Lycée Thiers. Dominique Bluzet who also directs other prominent theatres heads the theatre. It’s currently undergoing extensive renovations. It will reopen in 2026. A fresh start for a theatre with a rich and layered past. This building has truly seen it all. From convent to stage. From hushed prayers to thunderous applause. The Théâtre du Gymnase stands as a powerful symbol of Marseille’s enduring spirit. And its story is far from over.