Municipal theater of Fontainebleau, Louis XIII style theater in Center district of Fontainebleau, France.
The municipal theater of Fontainebleau stands between Rue Denecourt, Rue Richelieu and Rue Ferrare. Its Louis XIII facade combines red brick with light stone quoins, bands and window surrounds, rising to a stone cornice and a dark hipped roof. A carved pediment tops the central section, and an inscribed band reads "THEATRE MUNICIPAL". Three round-arched glazed doors with stone surrounds open onto steps, with a long balcony above.
Architects Fernand Lucas and Paul Marion designed the building, with construction starting in 1905 and the doors opening in March 1912. It has since remained a landmark reflecting the architectural style of that era.
The theatre opened on 9 March 1912 with an opéra-comique; its success led to a second performance the same evening. The sculpted pediment was added afterwards, at a cost of about 15,000 francs, to hide the auditorium roof from view. The building also holds a reception room used for events.
The theater is centrally located and easily accessible on foot, with clear pathways to the entrances and foyer. Visitors should arrive early to have time for exploring the interior spaces before performances begin.
The building displays Italian-style elements in its design, which sets it apart from many other French theaters of the same period. This architectural feature makes it a notable example of cultural influences in the city's construction.
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