In 2015, I had the chance to visit the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a truly beautiful Parisian institution. Through this article, I will try to trace the major dates that have ensured that this theater still exists today, with a rich program accessible to everyone. And when I say everyone, I’m not exaggerating. Indeed, there are even shows aimed at the youth. Who said culture was inaccessible? This beautiful building, constructed from reinforced concrete in 1913, houses three large performance halls: the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the Comédie des Champs-Élysées, and the Studio des Champs-Élysées. It is located in one of the most upscale neighborhoods of the capital: Avenue Montaigne.
This theater came into being thanks to the iron will of one man, Gabriel Astruc. A journalist and the theater’s first director, he was very active in the entertainment world and took on many roles. This construction was made possible thanks to investors who brought the journalist’s dream to life—a dream of building a venue that would be unique in its architecture and programming. It is worth noting that among the important personalities involved in this construction was Antoine Bourdelle, the famous sculptor, who participated in the decoration and even improvised as an architect during the construction phase.
Back then, the owner’s determination was already to host all musical genres, as he wanted to be open to modernity. The ambition of Gabriel Astruc, however, led to his downfall… But as he noted in his memoirs, he never regretted that folly for a moment, because thanks to it, he was able to introduce Parisians to The Rite of Spring, for example, the legendary ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky. This first program, which caused a scandal on April 2, 1913, left a mark on minds and the history of music through its brilliance, and for a little anecdote, the French writer Marcel Proust was in the front row during this inauguration, which thrilled him, unlike many others who booed the show…
Throughout this glorious past, the tone has been set, and the motto is continuity. Gabriel Astruc‘s successors respected this, and the novelty and diversity of the program are still very much present. Today, the theater remains faithful to its principles; if a spectator from the 1920s or 1950s were to attend a performance in 2015, they wouldn’t feel out of place. As our guide confirmed during this very enriching cultural visit, the theater is always in search of modernity. Time moves on… In 1953, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées was classified as a historical monument, and a little less than 20 years later, in 1970, the Caisse des Dépôts became the owner of the buildings and the theater’s primary sponsor.
Many renowned artists have graced the theater’s stage. From Maria Callas to Luciano Pavarotti, passing through Jessie Norman, to name just a few! Regarding dance, the Ballets Russes, the Swedish Ballet, the New York City Ballet, the Ballet de Paris, choreographer Maurice Béjart, the Bolshoi, and dancer Sylvie Guillem have all shone on the boards of this magical place. When I told you at the beginning of this article that there is something for everyone, the theater has also hosted music-hall stars such as Joséphine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, Charles Trenet, and even Elton John.
In conclusion, I would say that I was enchanted by this visit, and I found just as much pleasure in reading the archives to complete this article. So, it is with great pleasure that I will regularly talk to you about the 2015/2016 program of the theater in my upcoming performance reviews. In the meantime, to familiarize yourself with the venue, you can come and take the tour; it’s the first step to take before entering the stage.
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées 15, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris Tel: +33 (0)1 49 52 50 50 Visits are open according to a quarterly calendar offering various dates Individual rates: €8 full price / €4 for those under 26, students, and seniors (maximum 25 people) / Group rates: 25 people – €150 The tip: for school classes with a maximum of 35 students and chaperones, the visit is free
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free; permission from the photographer is required before any use.
