Théâtre de Lons-le-Saunier (Lons-le-Saunier, France)
Théâtre de Lons-le-Saunier
Built on the site of the old moats of the fortified city, where the cathedral church was to be erected, the theater is the central building of the city. This Italian-style theater was built from 1845 to 1847 on plans by the architect Lambert before undergoing a major renovation by the architect Achille Paillot from 1890 to 1893.
Construction of the Lons-le-Saunier theater began in 1845 and was completed in 1848, on the former site of a Calvary (representation of Sean Paul on the Crucified).
Originally, the theater was run by a private company until 1891, before the city bought it and decided on a restoration.
On January 21, 1901, a fire ravaged the place, there was one death. The city, insecure, only recover the walls for reconstruction. Thanks to the work of two architects from Bourg-en-Bresse, Georges and Tony Ferret, the theater can once again open its doors in August 1903 with the performance of Hernani by Victor Hugo. It was managed by the city until 1948.
In 1994, the Minister of Culture, at the request of Jacques Pélissard, classifies it as a historical monument in its entirety for the interior of the theater and the decor of the Café de Strasbourg (including the restaurants and the current Caricom).
Closed from 1995 to 1997, the theater has been completely renovated from the inside. The room, galleries, and peristyle are fully restored, in accordance with modern comfort, while respecting the initial style (fine gold gilding, identical colors, seats recreated with the same fabric).