L’Heure bleue

L’Heure bleue is a historic theatre in La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. This Italian-style hall at Avenue Léopold-Robert 27 has been one of the city's main cultural addresses for almost two centuries. It forms part of the Théâtre de La Chaux-de-Fonds complex, right next to the Salle de Musique, and hosts plays, concerts and special events.

What is L’Heure bleue?

It is a neo-Baroque auditorium with a horseshoe-shaped house, balconies and richly decorated interiors. The theatre was built in 1836–1837 to plans by Peter Jakob Meinrad Felber. It is one of only two Italian-style theatres in Switzerland; the other is in Bellinzona. The building is a protected monument of national importance.

The city's history adds a curious twist: as Swiss press has pointed out, residents built their theatre before a hospital, or even a running-water network. It shows how much weight culture carried in the prosperous watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds.

What does the interior look like?

The auditorium has been restored to its 1878 appearance. It originally held around 900 spectators on the main floor and three balconies. Today it seats about 500, which gives it an intimate, comfortable scale. The ceiling carries panels depicting the nine muses and allegories by Georges Och and Jean-Louis Chenillon. A thorough renovation in 2001–2003, directed by Pierre Minder, brought the hall back to its former splendour.

How does it connect to the Salle de Musique?

Since 1966 the theatre's main entrance has led through the neighbouring Salle de Musique. This concert hall, built in the 1950s, is known for its acoustics, wood panelling and an organ behind the stage. The two venues share a lobby and box office, so in practice visitors experience them as one ensemble: a nineteenth-century theatre and a modernist music hall.

Who performs here?

The venue is associated with the Théâtre populaire romand (TPR), a company active across French-speaking Switzerland. The hall can also be hired for conferences, concerts and other events. Guided visits can sometimes be arranged through the local tourist office.

Frequently asked questions

Where is L’Heure bleue? At Avenue Léopold-Robert 27 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, next to the Salle de Musique.

Is it the same as Franz Koglmann's album? No. The 1991 album "L’Heure bleue" is a separate musical work; this entry is about the theatre hall.

How many people does it seat? About 500 today; originally it held around 900.

Is it worth visiting for architecture? Yes. The theatre and the adjacent Salle de Musique are a highlight in a city known for its architecture around the turn of the twentieth century. The interior, with its balconies, ornament and painted ceiling, impresses even visitors who are not attending a performance.

Can I go in without a ticket? The interior is usually seen during events or on a guided visit. Check the current programme and visiting options with the organiser or the tourist office.