National Opera, Montpellier

The National Opera of Montpellier is a distinguished cultural institution situated in the heart of Comedy Square (Place de la Comédie) in Montpellier. Originally established in 1755, it received the esteemed status of "National Opera" in 2002 by the French Ministry of Culture, underscoring its importance in the national cultural landscape. The opera company performs in two main venues: the Opéra Comédie and the Opéra Berlioz.

The Opéra Comédie, designed by Joseph Marie Cassien Bernard, opened its doors on October 1, 1888. Built in the Italian style, this elegant venue boasts a 1,200-seat main auditorium and the 350-seat Salle Molière concert hall. The interior of the opera house, noted for its Second Empire-style decor, features intricate gilding, lavish sculptures, and grand paintings. Among its highlights is the original Statue of the Three Graces, sculpted by Etienne Dantoine in 1777. A grand double marble staircase leads up to the Grand Foyer, creating a sense of grandeur and elegance typical of its era. The building was classified as a historic monument in September 2020, cementing its status as one of Montpellier's most important architectural landmarks.

The Opéra Berlioz, housed within the Le Corum arts complex, was inaugurated in 1990 with a performance of Les Huguenots, the same opera that marked the opening of the Opéra Comédie 102 years earlier. With a seating capacity of 2,000, the venue is designed for large-scale productions, particularly those in the symphonic and lyrical genres. Its unique design features pink granite walls and a movable wooden ceiling, enhancing both aesthetics and acoustics. The Opéra Berlioz quickly became a prominent venue for contemporary and classical performances, including the works of Richard Wagner.

The dual venues of Opéra Comédie and Opéra Berlioz serve as key cultural hubs for the city, hosting a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and theatre. As such, the National Opera of Montpellier continues to play a pivotal role in the city’s cultural life, attracting both local audiences and international visitors.