Comédie Française, also known as Maison de Molière
The Comédie Française is located near the Palais-Royal and the Louvre.
Founded by Louis XIV in 1680, it is also known as the “House of Molière“. Although the famous playwright died seven years before the theatre was founded, he remains the “patron of French actors” and the soul of the institution whih is also known as the Maison de Molière (House).
The theatre underwent several relocations until 1812, when Napoleon I consolidated its status with the Decree of Moscow, defining the Association of Actors of the Comédie Française.
Today, the theatre employs 450 people, including sociologists, residents and students, and offers 850 performances per year.
Under the direction of an administrator appointed by the Ministry of Culture, the Comédie Française has a permanent troupe of actors. The Troupe des Comédiens Français presents a varied repertoire of French classics and international works, making this institution truly exceptional.
Salle Richelieu, Théâtre du Vieux Colombier, Studio-Théâtre
The Comédie Française comprises three theatres, each with its own distinct character.
The prestigious Salle Richelieu, which houses the main stage, can accommodate up to 800 spectators. In 2012, the Ministry of Culture allocated 12.6 million euros to improve technical standards, disabled accessibility and aesthetics.
The Salle Richelieu boasts a rich collection of remarkable objects, such as the armchair in which Molière died on stage on February 17, 1763.
The entrance hall is adorned with statues paying homage to great figures of French theatre, such as Beaumarchais, Racine and, of course, Molière.
Mesdemoiselles Mars and Rachel, renowned members in the 18th and 19th centuries, are also immortalised in the circular peristyle.
Prestigious patrons, such as Caisse d’Épargne Île-de-France, Natixis, the Fondation Patrimoine and the Fondation Total contributed to the construction of the Théâtre Éphémère, a temporary 750-seat venue.
The Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier was created in 1913 at No. 21 Rue du Vieux-Colombier, and the Studio-Théâtre, was inaugurated in November 1996 at No. 99 Rue de Rivoli.
Directions: 1st District– Place Colette
Metro: Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre on Line 1
Coordinates: Lat 48.863323 – Long 2.336006
