- 4 Rue Charles Dullin, 69002 Lyon
- What you see
- What you need to know
Welcome to the Théâtre des Célestins, a cultural gem in the heart of Lyon, nestled in the Bellecour district. This theater, which celebrates more than two centuries of dramatic art, is one of the few in France to share this prestigious longevity with institutions such as the Comédie-Française and the Théâtre de l'Odéon.
The history of this place goes back well before its first theatrical performances. Indeed, its name evokes the Celestine convent, established on these lands from 1407 until the French Revolution in 1789. Originally, this site was occupied by the Templars until 1312, before the Celestines transformed it into a place of worship and monastic life, including an abbey and a church.
In 1792, the Célestins' theatrical era began with the inauguration of the first theater, known as the Théâtre des Variétés. Unfortunately, this building was destroyed by fire in 1871, leading to the construction of the current building, designed in the neoclassical style by the architect Gaspard André. After another ordeal, a fire in 1880, the theater was restored to its original state and reopened in 1881, becoming a true symbol of resilience.
Throughout its eventful history, the Théâtre des Célestins has also played an important role in preserving cultural heritage. During the unrest of May 1968, its director, Albert Husson, bravely sheltered part of the precious collections of the University's Institute of Egyptology, highlighting the venue's commitment to cultural preservation.
More recently, the theatre underwent a major renovation between 2002 and 2005, with a focus on safety, audience comfort and modernising the facilities. This renovation also saw the creation of a second auditorium, the Célestine, offering more performance options and seating up to 132 spectators.
Today, the Théâtre des Célestins remains an essential cultural gathering place in Lyon, offering a varied program ranging from classical to contemporary, in a setting full of history and charm.
- Archive images