Opera of Marseille
The Marseille Opera is one of the oldest in France. Destroyed by a fire, it was rebuilt in 1920. It's a true architectural gem.
The municipal opera of Marseille
The Opera gave its name to this lively neighborhood of the Old Port. Built in the 1st arrondissement, between 1786 and 1787, Marseille's monument, in a classical style, was constructed according to the plans of the architect Joachim Bénard. The first stone was laid on July 14, 1786, by Monsieur de La Tour, then intendant of Provence. But Bénard was not alone in working on this gigantic project. He surrounded himself with a quality team to help him realize the building. Thus, the architect Henri Ebrard, the sculptors Bourdelle, Sartorio, and Etchaker, and many painters lent their talents to this new construction.
History of the Marseille Opera
During the inauguration on October 31, 1787, the personal troupe of the intendant of Provence organized the show. The whole neighborhood lived to the rhythm of this new attraction (Marseille was then the second city in France to have its theater), the streets were dedicated to theater and music. Moreover, the opera is an important element of the popular culture of the city and aims to be accessible to all.
On November 13, 1919, the building was largely destroyed in a fire that broke out during a rehearsal. From the original building, only the peristyle, the colonnade, and a large frieze by Antoine Bourdel framing the stage remain. On the pediment, four allegorical reliefs are in harmony with the Ionic columns. On the cornice, a sentence is inscribed: "Art receives the Beauty of Aphrodite, the rhythm of Apollo, the Balance of Palas, and owes to Dionysos Movement and Life."
In 1920, the City of Marseille decided to restore it to its former glory. Thus, Gaston Castel took charge of the work, which would be completed three years later with the inauguration of the new Opera on December 3, 1924. To restore its former glory to the Opera, Castel partnered with a collective of renowned architects and artists. Together, they created the largest "Art Deco" architectural hall in France.
However, it was not until 1945 that the Marseille Opera was managed by the city in association with the Odéon theater.
Since 1997, the Marseille Opera has been listed as a historical monument. A true architectural gem, it represents the successful combination of 18th-century style with 1920s Art Deco. With nearly 2000 seats, it is one of the largest theaters in the French provinces, just behind the Bordeaux theater. It boasts, among other things, 88 musicians, 36 choir artists, and workshops necessary for the performances it hosts.
Today managed by the municipality, the theater is a traditional opera house that hosts prestigious artists and shows, operas, and ballets, and now enjoys international renown. It is also a historic building that you must see if you plan to visit Marseille.
