Theatre Municipal (Municipal Theatre), Colmar

Nestled in the heart of Colmar’s historic centre, the Municipal Theatre is a refined gem of 19th‑century architecture that welcomes visitors with its graceful French-style façade and central position on Place du 18‑Novembre, just beside the Unterlinden Museum. Designed by architect Louis‑Michel Boltz and constructed between 1847 and 1849 on part of the old Unterlinden convent grounds, the building was inaugurated on 8 March 1849. Its exterior displays five arched bays arranged in a symmetrical, elegant elevation characteristic of early classicism.

Step inside and you’ll find a lovely Italian‑style horseshoe auditorium, featuring a circular room with three tiers of galleries and a richly painted ceiling by the Parisian decorator Boulange. Originally seating about 750 spectators, the hall underwent major renovations in 1902 and then again in 1999–2000, which improved visitor comfort and reduced capacity to around 550 seats.

Today, the Municipal Theatre hosts a diverse cultural programme. It is a venue for theatrical performances, dance, and concerts, including those by the National Opera of the Rhine's local Opera Studio, as well as productions staged by regional companies such as the Eastern Comedy (Comédie de l’Est). With approximately 120 events per year and an annual footfall of around 30,000 visitors, it remains a vital hub of Colmar’s cultural life.

For visitors to Colmar, a visit to this theatre can be both an aesthetic and artistic highlight. Whether you attend a performance or admire the architecture on a guided walk, the Municipal Theatre offers a window into the city’s rich cultural heritage and continues to serve as a vibrant stage for Alsace’s artistic talent.