Town Hall and Theatre of Bayonne, Municipal theatre and government building at Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc, Bayonne, France.
The Town Hall and Theatre of Bayonne is a symmetrical neoclassical building on Place de la Liberté that combines city government offices with a performance space. Its thirteen bays frame a central section with tall arches and square columns, creating a formal presence on the square.
The foundation stone was laid in 1837 and the building opened in 1842, replacing an older half-timbered structure near the cathedral. Its completion marked a period of urban growth and architectural modernization in the city.
The theatre honours composer Michel Portal through its name, reflecting its role in the city's artistic life. The grand facade with its arches shapes the appearance of the square and draws visitors who come to admire the elegant design.
The building sits on Place de la Liberté in central Bayonne and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can admire the exterior architecture at any time, while performances and official events take place throughout the year.
The facade references academic architecture that was fashionable in France during the 19th century, making it a model for other town halls and theatres built later in the region. This approach influenced how similar civic buildings were designed throughout southwestern France.
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