Théâtre de la Reine, Palace theatre in Versailles, France

The Théâtre de la Reine is a small theatre in the gardens of the Petit Trianon at Versailles, built by Richard Mique in 1778–1779. Its entrance has two Ionic columns on square bases supporting a triangular pediment carved with a lyre-playing child flanked by emblems of comedy and tragedy. The stage is twice the size of the auditorium.

Architect Richard Mique built this theatre between 1778 and 1779 for Queen Marie-Antoinette as a replacement for earlier temporary performance spaces at Versailles. The construction reflected the royal family's desire to create a more permanent and refined venue for private entertainment.

Marie-Antoinette acted here with a small troupe of her close friends, staging fashionable authors such as Beaumarchais, whose plays were banned at the court of Versailles. The proscenium curtain was blue taffeta with gold fringe, the one real luxury in a decor of painted trompe-l'œil and papier-mâché sculpture. In the 19th century queens and empresses — Marie-Louise, Marie-Amélie, Eugénie — took the theatre as their own.

Visiting allows you to see the original stage machinery from the 18th century, which remains intact and visible. Guided tours provide insight into how the historical technical equipment operated and supported performances.

The stage area surpasses the audience seating in size, revealing how much priority was given to technical production. The equipment was designed by Boullet, a specialist from the Paris Opera, who brought expertise from one of Europe's most advanced theatres.