Théâtre du Marais

Théâtre du Marais is a small theatre venue operating today at 37, rue Volta, in the heart of Paris's 3rd arrondissement — the Marais district. The name recalls one of the most celebrated theatres of old Paris, though the present-day institution is a separate, much younger continuation of that tradition.

Where does the name come from?

Several different theatres in Paris history have carried the name Théâtre du Marais. The most famous of them operated from 1634 to 1673 and ranked among the leading stages of French theatre's golden age, alongside the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The name was briefly revived in 1791, during the Revolution, for another theatrical company. The present-day Théâtre du Marais was only founded in 1976, and it is this institution that still operates under the name today — not a physical continuation of the 17th-century building, but a deliberate nod to its place in Parisian theatre history.

How do you get there?

The theatre sits on rue Volta, in the 3rd arrondissement, right in the Marais — a district known for its dense network of narrow streets, historic townhouses, and small independent shops. The area is well served by public transport, with the Place de la République and the Arts et Métiers metro station both within easy walking distance. Marais is a neighbourhood best explored on foot, which makes it simple to combine a visit to the theatre with a stroll through the surrounding streets.

What will you find there?

Théâtre du Marais is an intimate, independent stage — a typical example of Paris's "off" theatre scene, made up of smaller venues outside the big boulevard institutions, where programming tends to be more varied and experimental than at the major houses. Rue Volta and the surrounding Marais streets are lined with dense, centuries-old buildings from the era when the district was a hub of trade and craftsmanship, so a walk through the area already gives visitors a feel for old Paris before they even reach the theatre's door. For anyone interested in stage history, it's worth knowing that the name Théâtre du Marais points back to one of the defining chapters of French classical theatre — the original 17th-century stage staged works by the leading playwrights of its day before the building itself disappeared from the city more than three centuries ago.

When should you visit?

As with most Paris theatres, performances mainly take place in the evenings, on both weekdays and weekends, depending on the current programme. Marais is an appealing district year-round, and an evening show pairs well with an earlier stroll through the neighbourhood or a stop at one of its local cafés. Before visiting, it's worth checking the current schedule and showtimes directly with the venue, since programming at independent stages changes from season to season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Théâtre du Marais the same theatre that existed in the 17th century? No. The original Théâtre du Marais operated from 1634 to 1673 and was one of the leading theatres in Paris at the time. The name was later revived twice — briefly in 1791, and permanently in 1976, when the current institution was founded.

Where exactly is the theatre located? At 37, rue Volta, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, within the historic Marais district.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Marais is one of Paris's most distinctive districts — narrow streets, historic buildings, and a dense mix of small shops and cafés make simply walking through the neighbourhood part of the appeal, whether or not you catch a show.

How should you plan a visit? Check the current programme and showtimes before you go, since schedules at independent theatre venues change with the season.