Grand Théâtre de Tours

Grand Théâtre de Tours is the main opera and theatre building of Tours, France, today home to the Opéra de Tours.

Where does the building come from?

The theatre stands on the site of a former Cordeliers monastery church. In 1796, a private entrepreneur named Bücheron converted the disused church into an 800-seat theatre hall. More than seventy years later, in 1867, the city council bought the building, had it demolished, and commissioned a brand-new complex from architect Léon Rohard. The new theatre opened on 8 August 1872.

Why does today's building look the way it does?

In 1883, a fire tore through the theatre, leaving only the facade and four outer walls standing. The city launched an architectural competition in 1884, with Charles Garnier - the architect behind the Paris Opera - sitting on the jury. The winning design came from Jean-Marie Hardion, a young architect from Tours. Finishing work was entrusted in 1886-1887 to Parisian architect Stanislas Loison, and the rebuilt municipal theatre was inaugurated on 23 November 1889 - the building visitors see today.

What is inside?

The interior follows the Italian-style theatre layout (à l'italienne). A monumental staircase, an Italian-style auditorium and painted ceilings all echo the Palais Garnier in Paris, to the point that parts of the building read as a smaller variation on the Parisian model. The painted decoration was created by Parisian painter Georges Clairin, best known for his portrait of actress Sarah Bernhardt. Clairin painted the eastern wall of the staircase and its ceiling, along with the decorative paintings in the foyer and the main auditorium.

What is the building's current status?

On 12 December 2023, the entire Grand Théâtre - Opéra de Tours was listed as a monument historique, France's top level of heritage protection. Before that date, only part of the building held protected status; the 2023 decision extended protection to the whole structure, including the interiors created after the 1883 fire. That makes it one of the most fully protected theatre buildings in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Grand Théâtre de Tours located? In the centre of Tours, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.

When was the current building constructed? The building visitors see today dates from 1889, rebuilt after the 1883 fire that destroyed the earlier 1872 theatre.

Who designed the theatre after the fire? The design was chosen through an 1884 competition judged in part by Charles Garnier. Jean-Marie Hardion won, and Stanislas Loison completed the finishing work in 1886-1887.

Is the Grand Théâtre de Tours a listed monument? Yes - since 12 December 2023, the entire building has been protected as a monument historique, including its post-fire interiors.