
Opéra de Lille (Lille Opera), Lille
Opéra de Lille is a magnificent Neoclassical building, perfectly harmonized with the neighbouring Chamber of Commerce and Old Stock Exchange. The theatre was built from 1907 to 1913.
Following the destruction by fire of the old (1785) opera house in 1903, the architect Louis Marie Cordonnier was appointed, via competition, to build a replacement. Cordonnier's Belle Époque design features an elaborate pediment relief (created by sculptor Hippolyte Lefèbvre), and two flanking bas-relief panels by Alphonse-Amédée Cordonnier and Hector Lemaire. The interior, also very impressive, features the work by yet another prominent sculptor, Edgar-Henri Boutry.
In July 1914, during World War I, the occupying German forces stripped the still unfinished Opéra house of its furniture and equipment to furnish another local venue, the Sebastopol Theatre. After the war, the building was restored and reopened its doors in 1923 for a re-dedication as the Grand Theatre and a "première française".
In 1998, the theatre's physical condition demanded an emergency closure, during mid-season. The ensued renovations evolved into a more ambitious project to set improve the structure's functional capacities. The project was completed in 2004, in time for Lille's year as European Capital of Culture.
Following the destruction by fire of the old (1785) opera house in 1903, the architect Louis Marie Cordonnier was appointed, via competition, to build a replacement. Cordonnier's Belle Époque design features an elaborate pediment relief (created by sculptor Hippolyte Lefèbvre), and two flanking bas-relief panels by Alphonse-Amédée Cordonnier and Hector Lemaire. The interior, also very impressive, features the work by yet another prominent sculptor, Edgar-Henri Boutry.
In July 1914, during World War I, the occupying German forces stripped the still unfinished Opéra house of its furniture and equipment to furnish another local venue, the Sebastopol Theatre. After the war, the building was restored and reopened its doors in 1923 for a re-dedication as the Grand Theatre and a "première française".
In 1998, the theatre's physical condition demanded an emergency closure, during mid-season. The ensued renovations evolved into a more ambitious project to set improve the structure's functional capacities. The project was completed in 2004, in time for Lille's year as European Capital of Culture.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Opéra de Lille (Lille Opera) on Map
Sight Name: Opéra de Lille (Lille Opera)
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Lille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lille's Historical Buildings Tour
Historically, Lille's architecture differs from that of other French cities. Prior to being invaded by Louis XIV in 1667, Lille was Flemish, which is evident in its red-brick and other structures, quite uncommon for the rest of France.
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Lille Introduction Walking Tour
Here is the legend of Lille. In 620 AD Salvaert, Prince of Dijon, was passing through Flanders with his pregnant wife, Ermengaert. Phinaert The Giant, a local lord, killed Salvaert. Ermengaert escaped. Years later her son, Lyderic, easily found the Giant and killed him. Lyderic took the Giant's lands and founded the city of Lille in 640 AD.
Vikings, Normans, Magyars and local princes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Vikings, Normans, Magyars and local princes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles