This Italian-style theatre celebrated its 150 years of existence in 2011.

Designed by the Chartres architect Alfred Isidore Piébourg (1815-1902), this fine theatre space was opened in April 1861.
At that time, the eccentric location, in what was then the Boulevard St Michel, was not an unanimously popular choice. But it has been, and remains, a popular venue, both because of its architecture, its decoration and its varied programme of entertainment.

The original stage machinery in the wings is still in service today.

All but the foyer of the theatre was listed as an Historical Monument in 1984.