Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, Royal administrative building in 9th arrondissement, France.
The Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs is a former administrative mansion in the 9th arrondissement featuring large courtyards and storage spaces designed to hold royal entertainment equipment and ceremonial decorations. The original site was later replaced by a telephone exchange building constructed in 1911, which now marks the historical location.
The building was constructed in 1763 by architect Louis-Alexandre Giraud as a royal administrative center for organizing festivities and ceremonies. It played an important role in preparing and managing the grandest events of the royal court.
The building became home to the Royal School of Singing starting in 1784, then housed the National Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Arts. This institution drew many artists and made the location an important center for musical training in Paris.
The location is on Rue Bergère in the 9th arrondissement and is not open to the public today, as a telephone exchange building occupies the site. Visitors can view the location from the street and learn more about the area's history from nearby resources.
The building housed its own theater specifically built for ballet rehearsals and opera performances before their presentation at the royal court. This private stage allowed artists to perfect their works before reaching the audience of kings.
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