The construction of the theater started in 1851 and lasted less than a year, under the direction of Gabriel Davioud.
All sculptures were created by Elias Robert as was that on the square in front of the theater: the statue of Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, a naturalist born…
The facade was originally decorated with 2 medallions, representing playwriters Corneille and Molière, but was modified in 1927 into to art-deco style.
Lobby of the opera.
Ceiling. The Italian-inspired theater features canvas-backed paintings attributed to Gérôme.