VF111 Théatre des Champs Élysées : a 20th century architectural jewel

is without doubt one of the most beautiful performing venues in Paris. This listed building houses in reality three theatres – Le Grand Theatre is home to opera, dance, symphony concerts and recitals, while the more intimate settings of La Comédie and le Studio host repertory theatre. This Art Deco style building was designed by a daring group of artists : the architects Van de Velde and the Perret Brothers, the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle who carved Isodora Duncan among others in the bas-reliefs on the facade, the painters Maurice Denis and Edouard Vuillard and René Lalique who designed the lights.
The artistic adventure of the Theatre was marked throughout the century by the presence of prestigious composers, conductors, dancers and singers. This Theatre remains noted for the “scandal” of the first performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring by Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes whose music and choreography were shocking at that time.
The Theatre is opening its doors to WICE members on the occasion of its centenary.