The home of the Opéra-Comique since 1898, this neo-Baroque theatre on Place Boïeldieu stages the full repertoire of French comic opera and theatrical works.
At a glance
The Salle Favart, officially the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique, is a Parisian opera house located in the 2nd arrondissement. Built between 1893 and 1898 in neo-Baroque style, it remains the principal venue for the Opéra-Comique and continues to host lyric theatre and comedic opera.
History
Constructed over five years from 1893 to 1898, the theatre was designed by French architect Louis Bernier. It stands on Place Boïeldieu, just south of the Boulevard des Italiens, in one of Paris’s most animated theatrical quarters. The building has served as the home of the Opéra-Comique since its completion.
What you see
The façade and interior adopt the neo-Baroque vocabulary favored in late 19th-century Paris. Ornamental details, curved forms, and period decoration characterize the exterior and auditorium. The theatre’s proportions and finish reflect both the grandeur expected of a major opera house and the intimate character suited to comic opera.
Cultural significance
The Opéra-Comique and its Salle Favart represent a vital thread in French musical theatre. Comic opera—opéra comique—is a distinctive French form combining sung and spoken dialogue, and this company has preserved and championed the tradition since its establishment. The theatre remains essential to Paris’s performing-arts landscape.
Key facts
- Country: France
- City: 2nd arrondissement, Paris
- Coordinates: 48.8709, 2.3378
- Architect: Louis Bernier
- Completed: 1898
- Style: Neo-Baroque
Practical information & getting there
The Salle Favart occupies Place Boïeldieu, accessible by the Richelme or Opéra-Comique metro stations. Consult the Opéra-Comique website for current performances, schedules, ticket information, and visiting hours. The theatre’s location near the Boulevard des Italiens places it within walking distance of other cultural venues and the historic Palais-Royal district.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Become a Cultural Heritage Online photographer
Share your photos of places: they stay published under your name as the author. The more they're seen, the more you get noticed — and soon a contest will reward the most appreciated photos.
Log in or sign up free to add a photoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.