Théâtre de Chartres

The Théâtre de Chartres opened on 28 April 1861 to designs by the municipal architect Alfred Piebourg. It replaced the city’s earlier use of the Sainte-Foy church for theatrical performances. Antoine Victor Barbereau, known as Saint Léon, was responsible for the auditorium’s decoration and related furnishings. Built in the Italian theatre tradition, the house retains manually operated stage machinery using ropes, pulleys and counterweights. The theatre, excluding its foyer, has been listed as a historic monument since 1984. Chartres is known for one building above all others, and the town's theatre works quietly in its shadow. It is the municipal house: a season of drama, dance, chamber and orchestral concerts and visiting opera.