Le Comœdia, Art gallery in Brest, France
Le Comœdia is a former theatre turned contemporary art gallery on a curved corner in Brest. Its light stone facade carries raised metal letters spelling COMOEDIA above three tall windows, a carved relief of figures and a dark canopy over glazed doors. Inside, the 400 m² space keeps the 1949 Italian-style theatre layout, with curved picture rails on the balcony and Jean-René Debarre's decorations.
The building opened as a cinema in 1962 and screened films until 1991. Its transformation into an art gallery followed, giving the historic structure a new purpose.
The name Comœdia refers to classical theatre, and the facade relief shows the antique masks of comedy and tragedy. Inside, late Art Deco friezes depict Orpheus charming the sirens, while a Poseidon rising from the waves occupies the ceiling of the former auditorium. These decorations by sculptor Jean-René Debarre are highlighted by the gallery's lighting.
The gallery occupies the ground floor of the former theatre at Place du 19ème RI; the upper floor has been converted into flats and is not open to visitors. The 400 m² space was reworked in 18 months of works before reopening on 7 March 2019. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, so check what is on before travelling.
Jean-René Debarre, a sculptor and professor at the École Boulle, made the exterior and interior decorations, not the building's design. His façade frieze shows the masks of ancient comedy and tragedy, while inside Orpheus charms the sirens and a Poseidon rises from the waves on the auditorium ceiling. The 2019 restoration lit these decorations anew.
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