Nieto Sobejano

The project of the Cité du théâtre in Paris arises as an invitation to participate, share and debate. Its aim is to create new scenic spaces for three prestigious Institutions in the world of theater at the Ateliers Berthier, built in 1895 by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera: the Comédie-Française, the Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique (CNSAD) and the Théâtre National de I'Odéon- Théâtre de l'Europe. The project proposes a large raised garden that provides visual continuity with the Martin Luther King Park located on Boulevard Berthier. This garden, conceived as a great urban setting, accentuates the prominence of the Garnier buildings, which will be restored respecting their structure and materiality. The Cité du théâtre, with an area of approximately 22,000 m², will host various uses. This complex includes seven modular theaters for the Comédie-Française (250 and 600 spectators), the Théâtre National de l'Odéon- Théâtre de l'Europe (250 and 500 spectators) and the Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique (2x100 and 200 spectators). The program is complemented with workshops, classrooms and offices as well as common areas for the three institutions. The Halle Garnier, listed as a Historic Monument, becomes a covered square that gives access to the Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique, as well as a mediation center and restaurants. A 200-meter-long building unifies and embraces the entire complex. Following the geometry of the historical wall of Thiers that surrounded Paris in the 19th century, the existing remains will be preserved and restored. The Cité du théâtre will respect the memory of the place and will be an ambitious cultural center, a meeting place for students, artists, visitors and spectators, a metaphor for the art of theater on an urban scale that will transform the Ateliers Berthier into a dynamic and lively public space open to Greater Paris.