Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens, Historical theatre in central Paris, France
The Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens stands at 4 rue Monsigny, with a second entrance at 65 Passage Choiseul. Its street facade carries a dark iron-and-glass canopy with a curved corner and iron mullions, set against pale stone walls with rows of rectangular windows and dormer windows above. A sign reading "DES BOUFFES PARISIENS" marks the arched entrance. The hall rebuilt by Théodore Ballu seats about 1,100 spectators.
Jacques Offenbach founded the company in 1855, performing first at the Salle Lacaze on the Champs-Élysées before merging with the Théâtre Comte and opening the Salle Choiseul on 29 December 1855. In 1862 Offenbach ceded direction to his conductor Alphonse Varney, who had the hall demolished and rebuilt larger to plans by Théodore Ballu. The new hall held about 1,100 spectators, against roughly 900 in the earlier Salle Choiseul.
The venue became known for staging light, comedic works that appealed to Parisian audiences seeking entertainment. Over time it evolved into a space for more diverse theatrical productions, establishing itself as an important stage for French playwrights.
The main entrance is located on Rue Monsigny, with additional access available through Passage Choiseul, offering multiple ways to reach the theatre. The box office operates daily from 2 PM until show time.
The theatre's official address is 4 rue Monsigny, but its historic entrance opens at 65 Passage Choiseul, a covered arcade running behind the facade. In the 19th century the venue was commonly called the Salle Choiseul after this passage. The iron-and-glass gallery seen in photographs belongs to the rue Monsigny side.
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