The Comédie-Française, France’s national theatre, has effectively taken over parts of Paris as its historic Salle Richelieu remains closed for extensive renovations. The Salle Richelieu, the theatre’s main performance space, shuttered on January 15th, 2026, and is not scheduled to reopen until October 15th, 2026, forcing the company to find alternative venues throughout the city.
This dispersal has seen performances staged in various locations, including the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, the Salle Favart, and even smaller, less conventional spaces. The company is utilizing a network of temporary homes to maintain its programming schedule, a logistical challenge given the scale and prestige of the Comédie-Française. The current situation has prompted questions about the theatre’s accessibility and impact on the Parisian cultural landscape during the renovation period.
The renovations themselves are a significant undertaking, aimed at modernizing the Salle Richelieu while preserving its historical character. The closure coincides with the 400th anniversary of the birth of Molière, the defining playwright of French theatre, whose works remain central to the Comédie-Française’s repertoire. France 24 reported on the national celebration of Molière’s legacy, highlighting the continued relevance of his plays four centuries after his birth. The timing of the renovations, while necessary, adds a layer of complexity to the anniversary celebrations.
The Comédie-Française’s temporary relocation is not without precedent, but the extended duration of the Salle Richelieu’s closure is unusual. A review in The Guardian of a recent Molière production noted the importance of bringing the playwright “home” to France, a sentiment complicated by the theatre’s current state. The company’s ability to maintain its artistic standards and audience engagement across multiple venues is being closely watched within the French cultural community.
Recent commentary from Sortir à Paris reviewed the return of Molière’s “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme” to the Comédie-Française, even amidst the disruption caused by the renovations. The production’s success underscores the enduring appeal of Molière’s work and the Comédie-Française’s commitment to its core mission. However, the logistical challenges of staging such productions in temporary locations remain significant.
The Comédie-Française has not issued a statement regarding potential long-term impacts of the Salle Richelieu’s closure on its operations or audience attendance. The company’s next scheduled performance, a production of Racine’s “Phèdre,” is slated for the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in March 2026, continuing the pattern of dispersed performances while the main theatre undergoes renovation.
