Grand Theatre
Grand Theatre
4.5
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Considered by many to be the cultural heart of the city, this elaborately carved opera house surprises the senses with its fine architecture and interior design as well as its world-class performances.
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4.5
1,264 reviews
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409
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Jannette L
11 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
I booked tickets to see Cendrillon New years eve show several weeks in advance at a cost of 57 EUR each adult and 29 EUR child, we had a 2h30 car drive each way. Three ladies joined us in our box happy at having paid last minute 8 EUR each....and having a better view than us. I tried during the interval to change seats..very politely, but told it's a full house, fine...but I didn't need the extra humour to bé offered worse seats if I wanted. Our first expérience of ballet, it was supposed to be a treat as not alot happens in our corner of rural France. Tip for thé owners of thé opéra national, if you are going to use the balcony for equipment please don't sell the seats...at least not at full price.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,828 contributions
Oct 2022
European theaters favor the neo-classical look as does this one in Bordeaux. Its twelve Corinthian columns, only in front of the building, stand out against the surrounding four storey buildings with shops at street level. Atop each column on the roof line stand 12 muses and goddesses, one for each column, but they are hard to see at street level. That's the extent of the exterior features of this theater with its large footprint on the square. The steps in front of the Grand Theater seem to be a popular place to rest while waiting for your group to appear. Tram B goes past this attraction with a stop a few steps away on Cr de l"Intendance. We passed by this theater on our way to see the Girondin Monument/Fountain about a 5 minute walk away. For us, the theater was just a quick photo stop.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,581 contributions
Jul 2022
One needs to pick their battles. And not all venues (or fields of battle) are open to a contest. Thus was our experience that limited us to the voyeur level of appreciation. But what a lovely. Those 12 muses adorn the roof line were visual delights.
This is a very impressive performance arena worthy of first-class level performances (IMHO). What a beauty to admire while in Bordeux!
This is a very impressive performance arena worthy of first-class level performances (IMHO). What a beauty to admire while in Bordeux!
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CatharineB
Ottawa, Canada1,641 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
After a fire destroyed the city’s main theatre in 1756, the Grand Théâtre was constructed between 1773 and 1780 by architect Victor Louis.
Described as a masterpiece of European architecture, it is located in the beautiful and central Place de la Comédie. Neoclassical in style, it evokes musings of ancient architecture thanks to its Corinthian columns. The Grand Théâtre is fronted by a columned portico, with 12 impressive Corinthian columns adorning its façade. The portico is crowned by 12 stone statue representing goddesses and muses -9 muses and 3 goddess – Minerva, Venus and Juno.
I was surprised to discover that it served as inspiration for designing the Paris opera house as the staircase served as a model for the Opera Garnier in Paris.
Our guide explained that thanks to precise acoustic calculations, the theater auditorium is famous for its excellent acoustics.
It is no coincidence that the French National Assembly moved here when Paris was occupied by the Prussians during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Unfortunately, we could not view the interior, perhaps this will be a reason to return to Bordeaux.
Surprisingly, once we walked around the building, we found it to be domed, however, if you stand far enough back on Allées de Tourny you can snap a great picture of this architectural beauty.
Today the theatre is the seat of the Opéra National de Bordeaux.
Described as a masterpiece of European architecture, it is located in the beautiful and central Place de la Comédie. Neoclassical in style, it evokes musings of ancient architecture thanks to its Corinthian columns. The Grand Théâtre is fronted by a columned portico, with 12 impressive Corinthian columns adorning its façade. The portico is crowned by 12 stone statue representing goddesses and muses -9 muses and 3 goddess – Minerva, Venus and Juno.
I was surprised to discover that it served as inspiration for designing the Paris opera house as the staircase served as a model for the Opera Garnier in Paris.
Our guide explained that thanks to precise acoustic calculations, the theater auditorium is famous for its excellent acoustics.
It is no coincidence that the French National Assembly moved here when Paris was occupied by the Prussians during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Unfortunately, we could not view the interior, perhaps this will be a reason to return to Bordeaux.
Surprisingly, once we walked around the building, we found it to be domed, however, if you stand far enough back on Allées de Tourny you can snap a great picture of this architectural beauty.
Today the theatre is the seat of the Opéra National de Bordeaux.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wesley C
Tucson, AZ10,285 contributions
Sept 2021
Beautiful Classical style building in Bordeaux's city centre. Opened in 1780 with a capacity of 1,100. Fronted by 12 Corinthian columns topped with statues of muses/goddesses. Home of the National Opera of Bordeaux. Its auditorium is renowned for its great acoustics. Its grand main staircase was imitated by Garnier for the Paris Opera. Especially pretty at night.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loik A
Cognac, France296 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Gisèle, the classical ballet of the repertoire par excellence, is quite simply massacred at the Opéra National de Bordeaux: costumes in garish colors, in materials which hinder the dancers in their movements and make the women look like Spanish mops (yes those in fringes) and the men to a band of Jacques brothers... The decor resembles a field of umbrellas in which the storms would have carried away the canvas, leaving only whales, the whole supposed to represent a forest... All lit by a sun in neon lights so dazzling in the first act that we forget the dance.
As for the choreography, the dancers are clumsy, without grace, neither in cadence nor in rhythm, except for a few dancers in the second act who are graceful... For us who saw Gisèle at the Marinski in St Petersburg and at the Bolshoi in Moscow, the performance proposed by the Grand Théâtre resembles a rehearsal for the end-of-year gala of the good dance school... The composer and Marius Petipa must turn in their graves in this new regrettable example of the boboization of culture and directory.
Gisèle, the classic ballet of the repertoire par excellence, is simply massacred at the Opéra National de Bordeaux: costumes in gaudy colors, in materials that impede the dancers' movements and make the women look like Spanish mops (yes, the ones with fringes) and the men like a bunch of Jacques brothers... The set resembles a field of umbrellas in a storm that would have swept away the canvas, leaving only whales, all supposedly representing a forest... The whole thing is lit up by a neon sun so dazzling in the first act that you forget they are performing.
As for the choreography, the dancers are clumsy, graceless, lacking in rhythm or cadence, except for a few graceful dancers in the second act... For those of us who have seen Gisèle at the Marinski in St Petersburg and the Bolshoi in Moscow , the performance offered by the Grand Theater resembles a rehearsal for the end-of-year gala of the good dance school... The composer and Marius Petipa must be turning in their graves at this latest regrettable example of the boboisation (invasion of so -called left-wing bio bourgeois bohemians) of culture and repertoire.
As for the choreography, the dancers are clumsy, without grace, neither in cadence nor in rhythm, except for a few dancers in the second act who are graceful... For us who saw Gisèle at the Marinski in St Petersburg and at the Bolshoi in Moscow, the performance proposed by the Grand Théâtre resembles a rehearsal for the end-of-year gala of the good dance school... The composer and Marius Petipa must turn in their graves in this new regrettable example of the boboization of culture and directory.
Gisèle, the classic ballet of the repertoire par excellence, is simply massacred at the Opéra National de Bordeaux: costumes in gaudy colors, in materials that impede the dancers' movements and make the women look like Spanish mops (yes, the ones with fringes) and the men like a bunch of Jacques brothers... The set resembles a field of umbrellas in a storm that would have swept away the canvas, leaving only whales, all supposedly representing a forest... The whole thing is lit up by a neon sun so dazzling in the first act that you forget they are performing.
As for the choreography, the dancers are clumsy, graceless, lacking in rhythm or cadence, except for a few graceful dancers in the second act... For those of us who have seen Gisèle at the Marinski in St Petersburg and the Bolshoi in Moscow , the performance offered by the Grand Theater resembles a rehearsal for the end-of-year gala of the good dance school... The composer and Marius Petipa must be turning in their graves at this latest regrettable example of the boboisation (invasion of so -called left-wing bio bourgeois bohemians) of culture and repertoire.
Written 16 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fivi
Zamora, Spain1,710 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It is located in the beautiful and central Place de la Comédie. It really is very beautiful, both its exterior and interior. I was surprised to discover that it served as inspiration for designing the Paris opera house. Neoclassical in style, it looks like a temple, with 12 impressive Corinthian columns adorning its façade crowned by a stone statue representing goddesses and muses.
Inside, the lobby caught my attention and especially the staircase, which is where you access the auditorium. Beautiful place to enjoy theater, dance, opera with the five senses.
Inside, the lobby caught my attention and especially the staircase, which is where you access the auditorium. Beautiful place to enjoy theater, dance, opera with the five senses.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX5,271 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a large and impressive building that is purported to be even better on the inside. Sadly, we did not get an opportunity to see that portion of the structure--perhaps next time! The setting is really good. The street cars pass right in front of it and the hotel across the street is a beauty. There are shops and eating establishments all over the area.
Written 25 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion T
Newburyport, MA313 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
This exceptional building, just in front of our hotel, seems to be the heart of this beautiful city. Day and night, its portico and steps are filled with people sitting, talking, dancing and just taking in the scene before them. The exterior recalls the great Roman temples with its impressive colonnade and sculptural display (the 9 Muses and 3 Graces of antiquity). And just inside is breathtaking grand staircase in marble that leads up to the first level theater entries. Filled with natural light from above, it is decorated with monumental sculptures, reliefs and decorative sculpted patterns. Even the handrail of the staircase is carved with acanthus leaves!
We did not have the possibility to enter the theater itself, which has marvelous painted stucco decoration, but peeked into the reception room and visited the library, with its costumes. masks and ballet slippers. The boutique is also a perfect place to find gifts--a beautiful jacquard scarf with designs from the walls, a black evening fan, or a musical jewelry box for a little girl. We loved the whole experience.
We did not have the possibility to enter the theater itself, which has marvelous painted stucco decoration, but peeked into the reception room and visited the library, with its costumes. masks and ballet slippers. The boutique is also a perfect place to find gifts--a beautiful jacquard scarf with designs from the walls, a black evening fan, or a musical jewelry box for a little girl. We loved the whole experience.
Written 13 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gee_Cat
Zuienkerke, Belgium213 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
Really very nice, worthwhile an extended visit. If you go to Bordeaux, you MUST MAKE A RESERVATION for a visit in advance by internet or by call (tourist office), or you can't get in ! But it's really nice and interesting to do it...
Written 6 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am trying to book a performance in June at the Grand theatre but cannot seem to find an English site to book. Do you have any ideas where I can look.
Written 22 January 2018
Hi
Use google chrome and open the site.
Click a right button of the mouse.
Select “translate this site into English?”
Whole site will be translated into English.
Written 25 January 2018
How do we get tickets to view the inside of the Grand Theatre? Are there selected times that you're able to do this and can they be reserved/purchased in advance? I find their website difficult to navigate and find this out for myself. Any help much appreciated. Thanks
Written 17 September 2017
we just walked in, no booking required for our trip
Written 23 October 2017
Going to see the Opera Orfeo in March. What is the dress code to attend the opera here? Thanks!
Written 15 January 2017
Hi! I went there in December (but we went to see a dance schene "LA TEMPETE" and thought that had to be formal! To my surprise, we saw a bit of everything.. even jeans!! But maybe going to see the Opera is different. I still think that being dressed formal is the best way. Better be over dressed than under dressed. Have fun. :)
Written 22 January 2017
If a tour inside Opera is at particular time? It is necessary to make a reservation for tour or it possible to simply buy a ticket at cassier? So please, let me know how it works? Thanks
Written 14 September 2016
Yes they are at a particular time, although I can't remember what time it was. You get the tickets from the tourist information office which is near to the theatre. You can go without the tour guide as well, but I definitely enjoyed the tour which was only about an extra 3 euro.
Written 20 September 2016
Hello, do you know if the visit is a guided tour? And, in this case, do you know if it is in a specific language? (I hope in english or italian, not only in french...). Thank you very much!
Marco
Written 17 February 2016
Hola Teresa,
Estaré en Burdeos del 6 al 10 de marzo y quería visitar la Ópera. Entré en la página y no encontré la posibilidad de visitas guiadas, sin asistir a un espectáculo. ¿Sabes si esto es posible? Te agradezco la respuesta.
Stefany
Written 12 February 2016
Hi! How much for the entrance and how long was the visit? Thanks
Written 23 November 2015
Is the costume exhibition still on? Till when is it going to be open?
Written 23 September 2015
Hola Joziff, solo preguntar si entedi correctamente, que es mejor no comprar entradas on line, sino una vez que estes en la propia ciudad y puedas elegir la ubicacion personalmente?
Hi Joziff, if I understood correctly, you mean that is better to purchaise opera tickets in person, once you are in town and able to chose your place directly instead of on line??
Do they (Grand Theater-Opera National) sell tickets for the same day for example? aren't them overbooked in september? thank you very much for any input!!
Written 2 June 2015
Hola Monica. Sorry for the late reply. I have only just seen your question. The problem is that tickets for the Grand Théâtre sell out months before the performance date. The box office doesn't do refunds so you might get lucky if someone has tickets to sell privately just before the performance. My advice would be to avoid category 3 tickets unless for the paradis. High up but not too far from the stage as the opera house is relatively small. Hope this helps. PS I possibly have spare tickets for Lucia di Lammermoor on 5 April 2018.
Written 12 December 2017
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