Opera-Theatre of Clermont-Ferrand, Opera house and theatre in central Clermont-Ferrand, France.
The Opera-Theatre of Clermont-Ferrand is a stone-faced building on place de Jaude, built 1891–1894 by architect Jean Teillard. Its facade has a central projecting section with a round clock in a curved pediment, a balustraded balcony, and sculpted stone figures on the roof above; the ground floor has arched openings framed by columns, some with green awnings. Inside, the entrance hall, ceremonial staircases, painted dome and gilding form an Italian-style theatre, with facade decoration by Henri Gourgouillon.
The building was constructed between 1891 and 1894 under Mayor Amédée Gasquet's leadership. It replaced the former fabric market hall that had previously occupied this site since the early 1800s.
The house hosts opera performances, theatrical productions, and musical events that draw locals and visitors throughout the year. It serves as a central venue for the city's artistic life.
The main entrance is on boulevard Desaix, with a second frontage on place de Jaude, so the building is easy to find on foot from the city centre. The hall reopened to the public on 20 September 2013 after seven years of renovation work. The auditorium now seats 600, down from 900, so booking ahead is advisable for opera and theatre evenings.
The north part of the building, beyond the stage and its machinery, now houses the services of the Orchestre d'Auvergne. The 2013 reopening followed seven years of closure after part of the ceiling collapsed, and the hall's capacity was cut from 900 to 600 seats.
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