Fontaine Molière, Fountain in the 1st arrondissement, Paris, France

The Fontaine Molière is a monumental structure at the intersection of Rue Molière and Rue de Richelieu in central Paris, topped by a bronze seated figure. Below it stand two female figures representing different theatrical forms and dramatic expressions.

A fountain called the Fontaine Richelieu stood on this spot from 1671 until 1838, when it was demolished because it obstructed traffic. The actor François-Joseph Regnier of the Comédie-Française proposed a replacement set back from the old site and dedicated to Molière, who died in 1673 at no. 40 rue de Richelieu. The 1844 monument was funded by France's first national public subscription for a commemorative monument to a civilian figure.

The fountain honors Jean Baptiste Poquelin, known as Molière, whose theatrical works shaped French literature and comedy for generations. His plays continue to influence how people understand French theater and dramatic writing.

The fountain stands on Place Mireille at the corner of Rue Molière and Rue de Richelieu, in the 1st arrondissement, a short walk from the Palais-Royal. It is a street monument seen from the pavement, not a site with opening hours. Renovation work announced in early 2022 covered restoration of the statues, new lighting and refilling the basin, with 300,000 euros set aside.

The allegorical figures on the fountain show both serious and comic theatrical forms, pointing to the range of Molière's artistic legacy. This duality reflects how he could master both sides of human drama.