After a fire destroyed the city’s main theatre in 1756, the Grand Théâtre was constructed between 1773 and 1780 by architect Victor Louis.
Described as a masterpiece of European architecture, it is located in the beautiful and central Place de la Comédie. Neoclassical in style, it evokes musings of ancient architecture thanks to its Corinthian columns. The Grand Théâtre is fronted by a columned portico, with 12 impressive Corinthian columns adorning its façade. The portico is crowned by 12 stone statue representing goddesses and muses -9 muses and 3 goddess – Minerva, Venus and Juno.
I was surprised to discover that it served as inspiration for designing the Paris opera house as the staircase served as a model for the Opera Garnier in Paris.
Our guide explained that thanks to precise acoustic calculations, the theater auditorium is famous for its excellent acoustics.
It is no coincidence that the French National Assembly moved here when Paris was occupied by the Prussians during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Unfortunately, we could not view the interior, perhaps this will be a reason to return to Bordeaux.
Surprisingly, once we walked around the building, we found it to be domed, however, if you stand far enough back on Allées de Tourny you can snap a great picture of this architectural beauty.
Today the theatre is the seat of the Opéra National de Bordeaux.