The Odéon was designated a Theater of Europe in 1990, officially making it one of the six national theaters. It is particularly distinguished by its neoclassical façade adorned with monumental white stone columns. Located in the heart of Paris’s 6th arrondissement, it immediately catches the eye and piques curiosity even before you step inside.
With a history spanning more than 200 years, this iconic theater has weathered major events in French history. It has survived two fires, hosted the Comédie-Française for several years, and seen a succession of artistic directors, each leaving their mark with a unique project. Today, the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe hosts Candlelight concerts, remaining an unmissable venue where heritage, creativity, and modernity come together.
A Bit of History
Formerly known as the Théâtre national de l’Odéon, it was inaugurated in 1782 with the aim of hosting the French national theater company. Once you pass through its neoclassical façade, you enter a magnificent Italian-style theater, with seats upholstered in red velvet and luxurious décor. It wasn’t until 1990 that it was renamed the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe, in line with the vision of Giorgio Strehler, then the theater’s artistic director, who made it his mission to “revitalize Europe’s dramatic heritage.”
What to Do at the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe
True to its original purpose, each season features numerous plays, each as rich and varied as the next. And to live up to its name, several plays are staged in various languages—such as Spanish, Swedish, and Hungarian—with French subtitles. In addition, of course, to French plays. And recently, the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe has begun hosting a brand-new event. In its warm-toned Italian-style theater, the thousands of candles at the Candlelight concerts illuminate the set design to offer you classic tributes to all genres of music.
What are the Ateliers Berthier?
This former warehouse for stage sets—originally built by Charles Garnier for the Paris Opera—served as a temporary venue for the Odéon in 2003. In 2015, work began to upgrade the technical facilities, and today the Ateliers Berthier is a new venue managed by the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe. With tickets that are often less expensive and a different lineup of shows, it complements the cultural offerings of the famous theater.
How much does a ticket to a show cost?
The good news is that, depending on which section of the auditorium you choose, you can find tickets for incredible shows ranging from less than 10 euros to around 40 euros. The best news is that if you’re between 18 and 28 years old, tickets are offered free of charge to this age group every Thursday. And finally, for those who don’t fall into this category, all preview performances are half price. It’s a great tip for treating yourself to a night at the theater without breaking the bank.
How do you get there?
Located on Place de l’Odéon in the 6th arrondissement, this theater is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take Metro lines 4 or 10 and get off at the Odéon station, or take the RER B or RER C to the Luxembourg station at Luxembourg Saint-Michel. And finally, if you prefer to take the bus, lines 58, 63, 70, 86, 87, and 96 will drop you off there.
What is the oldest theater in Paris?
The oldest monumental theater still in operation in Paris is none other than the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe. Inaugurated in the presence of Marie Antoinette, it was built to house the Théâtre-Français troupe and designed by architects Charles De Wailly and Marie-Joseph Peyre.
Who are the former directors of the Théâtre de l’Odéon?
Today, Julien Gosselin is at the helm of the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe. He was preceded by influential figures who shaped the theater’s identity, such as Jean-Louis Barrault, an iconic actor and director who modernized the French theater scene in the 1960s, and Giorgio Strehler, the renowned Italian director who gave the theater its current name and developed its European vision. Each of these directors has contributed to making the Odéon a central hub of Parisian cultural life.
Other nearby cultural venues in Paris
The majestic and iconic Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe is surrounded by several major cultural venues:
- The Théâtre du Châtelet (1 km to the northeast) for musicals and concerts,
- The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (1.5 km to the west) for opera and ballet,
- The Théâtre de la Ville (1.5 km north) for contemporary theater and dance.
Paris has no shortage of incredible, history-rich buildings. And yet, each of these monuments has something unique and impressive about it. Having already proven its worth in Parisian architecture, it now joins the prestigious list of sublime venues hosting Candlelight concerts for your listening pleasure.