Usually, Parisian theaters are all decorated in red. In the 1820s and 1830s, this strong color was used to highlight the stage and the actors. While the majority of theaters have chosen to follow suit with this distinctive color, the Théâtre Daunou is an exception. This magnificent Art Deco theater is one of the few in the capital to be entirely decorated in blue. A jewel of the 1920s, it is due to reopen soon after several years of renovation…
A unique blue theater in Paris
Founded in 1921 at the request of actress Jane Renouardt, a leading figure in silent cinema, the Théâtre Daunou stands out for its style. Behind its attractive Art Deco façade lies a totally unique décor. Here, Lanvin blue seats replace the theater ‘ s distinctive deep red. Jane was in fact very close to Jeanne Lanvin, to whom she gave carte blanche to decorate her theater.
The couturier stylized the whole with her own personal touch, not only with this unique blue, but also with the gold-leaf painted daisies that adorn the theater here and there. For the record, these delicate flowers were a favorite of the fashion designer.
Contrary to what you might think, blue had already been used in theaters in the past. This color was used to highlight the audience, which had to be seen by all. Until the XIXᵉ century, it was fashionable to be noticed before every performance.
Unfortunately, the ravages of time have greatly marred the beauty of this listed building… In 1970, a violent fire consumed part of the animal decor framing the stage…
Since 2020, it has been closed to the public for renovation work. It was originally scheduled to reopen in September 2024 and again in January 2025, but almost a year after the announced delivery date, the work is still underway… The theater had never been renovated for a century! Between the gilding on the ceiling, the decorative elements, the stage, the seats and the entire structure, the Daunou theater was in dire need of a major facelift. The latest images of the work are very encouraging, and point to an imminent opening! Hopefully, the theater will reopen before the end of the year. So be patient!
📍Location: 7 Rue Daunou 75002 Paris