The Great Theatre

The Grand Théâtre, in Bordeaux

The Grand Théâtre is the sumptuous neoclassical opera house of Bordeaux, a masterpiece of the eighteenth century. The Bordeaux audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this temple of the lyric art, with a majestic colonnaded façade, a jewel of the heritage of the town.

The neoclassical masterpiece of the lyric art

The Grand Théâtre is one of the finest opera houses of France and a jewel of eighteenth-century architecture. Built in 1780 by the architect Victor Louis, at the time of the great transformation of Bordeaux, it testifies to the splendour and the prosperity of the town at its golden age. Its majestic façade is preceded by an imposing portico of twelve columns, topped with a balustrade adorned with twelve statues representing muses and goddesses. Inside, the theatre reveals a sumptuous monumental staircase, which later inspired Garnier for the Paris Opera, and an Italian-style hall of great elegance, with gilding and refined decors. Today the seat of the National Opera of Bordeaux, the Grand Théâtre is a high place of culture and one of the emblematic monuments of the town.

What to see

You admire the sumptuous neoclassical opera house built in 1780 by Victor Louis, its majestic façade with a portico of twelve columns topped with twelve statues of muses and goddesses, its monumental staircase that inspired Garnier and its Italian-style hall with refined gilding, the seat of the National Opera of Bordeaux. The Grand Théâtre is an emblematic monument of Bordeaux. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Grand Théâtre lies on the Place de la Comédie, in the heart of Bordeaux, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its façade from outside; the visits and the shows follow their own programme and hours, which vary. It is best to check the agenda before coming.

Who built the Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux?

The architect Victor Louis, in 1780; its majestic façade with a portico of twelve columns is topped with twelve statues of muses and goddesses, and its monumental staircase later inspired Garnier for the Paris Opera.

Where is the Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux?

On the Place de la Comédie, in the heart of Bordeaux, in France.