Illustrated page from the second volume of the illustrated popular dictionary by Edmond Alonnier and Joseph Décembre

Salle Ventadour

Salle Ventadour Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Paris

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, the Salle Ventadour is a remarkable testament to the city’s rich operatic and theatrical heritage. Established in the early 19th century, its neoclassical façade and storied past have made it a significant landmark for lovers of architecture, opera, and Parisian history. While today the building does not function as a public theater, its enduring presence invites visitors to explore the layers of Paris’s vibrant cultural tapestry. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Salle Ventadour’s history, architectural features, visiting logistics, and its ongoing legacy within the city’s artistic landscape (Histoires de Paris).

Engraving of the premiere staging of Donizetti's comic opera Don Pasquale at Théâtre Italien, Salle Ventadour, Paris, 1843

Scene from the second act of Don Pasquale at Theater Ventadour in Paris

Scene from Act 2 of Donizetti's Don Pasquale opera at Salle Ventadour in Paris

Interior view of the Italian Theatre with an actor receiving ovation, detailed etching by Charles Mottram and Eugène Lami, Musée Carnavalet Paris

Color aquatint print of Place et salle Ventadour on Rue Méhul featuring Opéra-Comique theater in Paris

Wood engraving of the demolition and transformation of the Théâtre-Italien scene and hall in Paris

Salle Ventadour of Théâtre-Italien in Paris around 1840, drawing and engraving view

Lithograph of picturesque promenade in Paris featuring Dome des Invalides and St Philippe du Roule

Salle Ventadour theater interior with ornate decorations and chandeliers

Salle Ventadour former Parisian opera house around 1830

Interior of Théâtre-Italien Salle Ventadour Paris lithograph 1842

Interior lithograph of Théâtre-Italien Salle Ventadour in Paris showing 'Ovation for an Actor' scene from 1842

Interior view of Salle Ventadour in Paris during a Théâtre-Italien performance, 1843 lithograph

Drawing of Theaters on Rue Scribe in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye 1875

19th century drawing of an Italian theater in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye

Advertisement postcard showing a box at Théâtre des Italiens in 1860 with fur coats by Revillon Frères

Origins and Construction of the Salle Ventadour
Architectural Features and Innovations
The Opéra Comique and Early Years
Experimentation: The Théâtre Nautique
The Théâtre Italien Era (1838–1870)
Decline, Transformation, and Current Use
Visiting Salle Ventadour Today: Practical Information
FAQs
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
References

Origins and Construction of the Salle Ventadour

The Salle Ventadour was conceived in the 1820s during a period of transition in Paris’s cultural life. With the Opéra Comique facing financial difficulties and lacking a permanent venue, King Louis XVIII intervened, clearing the company’s debts and commissioning a new theater. Construction began in 1826 under architect Jean-Jacques Huvé, and the building opened in 1829, designed to restore prestige to the Opéra Comique and serve as a centerpiece of Parisian high culture (Histoires de Paris).

Architectural Features and Innovations

The Salle Ventadour was a triumph of neoclassical architecture. Its façade combined Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, with statues of the muses symbolizing the arts. Grand arcades lined the exterior, while interior innovations included subterranean galleries for discreet entry and even carriage access for distinguished patrons. Though these exclusive features were short-lived, they highlighted the theater’s ambition to serve Paris’s elite (Histoires de Paris).

The Opéra Comique and Early Years

Upon opening, the Salle Ventadour became the new home of the Opéra Comique. Despite the fresh venue, financial instability persisted. High operational costs and management changes led the company to vacate the theater by 1832, relocating to more affordable accommodations (Histoires de Paris).

Experimentation: The Théâtre Nautique

In 1834, an innovative but ultimately unsuccessful experiment saw a large water basin installed on stage for aquatic performances—an endeavor called the Théâtre Nautique. Despite initial curiosity, the format failed to draw sustained audiences, and the concept was quickly abandoned (Histoires de Paris).

The Théâtre Italien Era (1838–1870)

A new chapter began in 1838 when the Théâtre Italien, a celebrated company specializing in Italian opera, established its residence at the Salle Ventadour. The theater flourished during this era, hosting the Paris premieres of works by Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, and others. The venue became synonymous with Paris’s cosmopolitan opera scene and contributed significantly to the city’s cultural vibrancy (Histoires de Paris).

Decline, Transformation, and Current Use

Following the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, the Théâtre Italien’s fortunes waned. By 1879, the building ceased functioning as a theater. The site was eventually acquired by the Banque de France, marking a definitive end to its public entertainment era. Today, while the building is not open for interior visits, its façade stands as a lasting symbol of Paris’s 19th-century cultural ambitions (Histoires de Paris; Wikipedia).

Visiting Salle Ventadour Today: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Public Access: The interior is not accessible, as the building now serves as administrative offices for the Banque de France.
Exterior Viewing: Visitors are welcome to admire the neoclassical façade from Rue Saint-Augustin or Rue Dalayrac at any time.
Guided Tours: Some Paris walking tours focused on theater history include Salle Ventadour as a stop for exterior viewing and historical commentary (Paris Promeneurs).

Accessibility

Exterior Access: The surrounding streets are pedestrian-friendly and generally accessible. Note that some Parisian sidewalks may have cobblestones or narrow stretches (Paris Unlocked).
Nearest Accessible Transit: The Pyramides metro station (Lines 7 and 14) offers step-free access (France.fr).

Getting There

Address: 1 rue Dalayrac, 2nd arrondissement, Paris.
Metro: Pyramides (Lines 7, 14), Bourse (Line 3), and Grands Boulevards (Lines 8, 9).
Bus: Several routes serve the area; check local schedules for details.

Nearby Attractions

Passage Choiseul: Historic covered arcade with shops and cafés.
Opéra Garnier: Paris’s grand opera house, open for tours.
Galerie Vivienne: Another elegant covered passage.
Musée Grévin: Paris’s wax museum.

Photography Tips

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting on the façade.
Angles: Capture the arcades and columns for dramatic effect; the adjacent streets offer unique perspectives.

FAQs

Can I visit the interior of Salle Ventadour?
No, the building is not open to the public; visits are limited to exterior viewing.

Are there any performances or events at Salle Ventadour?
No, the venue no longer hosts performances.

Are guided tours available?
Some walking tours of Paris’s theater history include a stop at Salle Ventadour’s exterior.

Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
The area is generally accessible. The nearby Pyramides metro station offers step-free access.

What are the closest metro stations?
Pyramides, Bourse, and Grands Boulevards.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

The Salle Ventadour stands as an enduring symbol of 19th-century Parisian culture, echoing the city’s artistic ambitions and architectural elegance. While its interior is no longer accessible, the façade offers a tangible link to a golden era of opera and theater. Visitors interested in Paris historical sites are encouraged to:

Admire the neoclassical exterior and reflect on its storied past.
Explore nearby cultural gems like the Opéra Garnier and Passage Choiseul.
Join a themed walking tour for deeper historical insights.
Use accessible metro stations for ease of travel.

For an enhanced experience, consider audio-guided tours via the Audiala app and consult local resources for additional historical context (Paris Promeneurs).