◄ Bordeaux Grand Theatre, Bordeaux [HD] ►

You have made it to Le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. This is one of the many beautiful neoclassical buildings in Bordeaux, some even rate it the most beautiful -- not only for what its outside can offer, but also for its inside. The history of the Grand Theater dates back to mid 18th century, when a fire destroyed the old theater. That Bordeaux, a stronghold of culture, would be without a theater was unthinkable, so the governor soon decided to build a new magnificent theater. The chosen architect for the theater was Victor Louis, a rather established architect who previously had designed both Palais Royal and Théâtre Français in Paris. The first plans were laid out in year 1773 and the construction of the theater began the very same year. The building was finished seven years later and the opening ceremony took place in spring 1780. Over the centuries, the building underwent several changes, the more notable one being the removal of the small concert hall in favor for an expansion of the lobby in 1832. Even though it has undergone some changes over time, the Grand Theater of today is very much same one that stood here in 1780. One of the most striking features of this neoclassical Grand Theater is of course its main façade. The beautiful façade is decorated with 12 Corinthian style columns. On the top of the facade are 12 statues; nine represent the art muses and three the Roman goddess Juno, Venus and Minerva. From left to right, we first have the muse of music, Euterpe. Following her we have the muse of astronomy, Uraine, the Roman goddess of love -- Venus and the muse of epic poetry, Callipoe. The next statue on the line represents the muse of dance, Terischore, after her the muse of tragedy, Melpomèn, the muse of comedy, Thalie and the muse of rhetoric, Polymnie. Following her stands two the last two Roman goddesses; Juno, goddess of fruitfulness and the goddess of war, Minerva. The last two statues show Erato, muse of lyric poetry and Clio, muse of history. All these muses and goddesses together displays what the Grand Theater really is, which is a temple where emotions and expressions reign free. If you take a look in the middle of the façade, you will see a coat of arms with three French lilies inside of it. The French lily, also known as fleur-de-lis, was a symbol often used by the old French monarchy. While the outside of the Grand Theater is certainly striking, many say the inside of the theater is even more beautiful. Inside you fill find beautiful sculptures, grand staircases and magnificent roof paintings. If possible, I do recommend that you spend some time by taking a look at what the inside of the theater has to offer. The main hall is painted in the colors of French royalty; blue, white and gold. During the end of the 18th century, the main hall could house as many as 1700 spectators, which is actually higher than today's number of seats; 1114. One of the reasons for this is that the original theater hall had extra seats in the area where the orchestra currently is placed. Today the theatre is home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux. Musical plays, operas, dancing acts and much more is shown on a regular basis in the theater hall. Ever since the theater opened its doors in 1780, it has been -- and continues to be - the center of artistic life in Bordeaux.