Théâtre National Populaire, National theatre in Villeurbanne, France
The Théâtre National Populaire is a national theater in Villeurbanne housed in a modern building with several performance spaces, including a main hall with 667 seats. The architecture dates from the early seventies and features clean lines and functional rooms arranged around a central foyer.
Firmin Gémier founded the theater in Paris in 1920 with the aim of bringing classical plays to a wider audience. Roger Planchon moved the institution to Villeurbanne in 1972 and shaped its identity for decades as a place for socially engaged theater.
The name recalls a time when theater was meant to reach everyone, not just an elite audience. Visitors today find a mix of generations and backgrounds sharing the seats, reflecting that founding intention.
The building sits on Place Lazare Goujon and is easy to reach by tram or bus. The box office opens one hour before each performance, and visitors who want information in advance can stop by on weekdays between 11 AM and 7 PM.
On certain Sunday afternoons, a childcare service allows families with young children to attend performances. Called Théâtromôme, it lets parents watch the show while kids play nearby under supervision.
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