Even if you don’t go to an opera or ballet, you should visit to soak up that 18th-century grandeur. Bordeaux, known as The City of Wine has had a love affair with opera since 1688, but unfortunately its theatre was destroyed by a fire in 1756. Architect Victor Louis stepped in to design the new one, The Grand Théâtre, which was inaugurated in 1780. It became an instant landmark with its classical colonnade topped with 12 statues, of which nine are Muses and the other three represent the goddesses Venus, Minerva and Juno. Quite fitting for what Louis intended to be a “palace of light and the arts”.

Although the building hasn’t had an easy time over the years, needing to be restored multiple times, the consideration put into the renovation shows the pride people feel towards their beloved Théâtre. Walking into the auditorium, you’ll see not the traditional red and gold colour scheme, but blue, white and gold tones to amplify light in the space. It’s also specifically designed to give you the best acoustics, making it ideal for concerts. The ceiling features more Greek influence with Jean-Baptise Robin’s painting with the theme “Apollo and the muses accept the dedication of a temple erected by the City of Bordeaux”.

Grand-Théâtre

Place de la Comédie, 33025, Bordeaux, France

Opening times

Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00-18:30