Théâtre de la Ville, Performing arts theatre in Place du Châtelet, Paris, France
Théâtre de la Ville is a cream-coloured stone theatre at 2, place du Châtelet, built by Gabriel Davioud between 1860 and 1862 on the same plan as the Théâtre du Châtelet opposite. Its facade has tall arched openings below, a row of rectangular windows between columns, round windows under a projecting cornice, and a rounded grey metal roof. A green awning lettered "LE MISTRAL" runs along the ground floor, and "THEATRE DE LA VILLE" is inscribed above the arches.
This venue was built between 1860 and 1862 during Haussmann's reshaping of Paris as part of a major urban renewal initiative. It survived a fire in 1871 during the Paris Commune and was reconstructed in 1874, maintaining its classical architectural character.
The theatre's successive names record its history: Théâtre-Lyrique, Théâtre des Nations, Théâtre Sarah-Bernhardt, and since 2023 Théâtre de la Ville - Sarah-Bernhardt. Its programming since the 1980s has centred on contemporary dance, with choreographers such as Pina Bausch and Merce Cunningham presented here. A second venue, the théâtre des Abbesses, opened in 1996.
The venue is located at 2 Place du Châtelet in the 4th arrondissement and is easily accessible by public transport. The official website provides information about shows, ticket purchase options, and recommended times to visit.
Sarah Bernhardt took over the lease in 1898 and opened in 1899 with a revival of Sardou's La Tosca. She played Napoleon's son, the Duke of Reichstadt, in the premiere of Rostand's L'Aiglon, and Hamlet in Marcel Schwob's adaptation. Diaghilev's Ballets Russes later gave premieres here, including Stravinsky's Apollon musagète in 1928.
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