Opera Comique

The Opéra Comique institution was created by Louis XIV, some 35 years after he had created the Comédie Française. The two theater troops were originally rivals. The Comédie Française had been given the monopoly of performing classic dramas and comedies so the Opéra Comique were only allowed to perform mime and plays mixing dialogues and songs.

It is located on Place Boldieu, steps aways from the Opéra Garnier and while its architecture is not as impressive, it is still a beautiful landmark. It is greatly unknown for foreign visitors so I figured I would post about it.

The theater itself is not the original one as the troop moved locations several times, and two of the previous theaters had to be rebuilt after being destroyed by great fires. Paris has seen quite a few of them!

I love how they incorporated elements related to their arts in the architecture: see the column with theater masks and lyras and trumpets all over.

Their program will resume in the fall, and they also have guided tours. Enjoy!