Théâtre National de Toulouse (National Theater of Toulouse), Toulouse

The National Theater of Toulouse, currently known as City Theater (Théâtre de la Cité), is a cornerstone of French theater, situated on Pierre-Baudis Street in Toulouse, within the scenic Haute-Garonne area. Nestled between the historic Place Wilson and the modern Place Occitane, the theater has become a hub for dramatic arts under the management of Galin Stoev since 2018.

The facility is a vibrant center for theatrical production and distribution. It houses an amphitheater that can accommodate 888 patrons, a smaller venue called the “CUB” with 250 seats and a cozy studio space that holds 72 people. Annually, it attracts up to 100,000 spectators, offering a rich tapestry of performances including plays, dances, concerts, and more.

The City Theater's legacy is intertwined with the city’s theatrical history, primarily through the Grenier de Toulouse theater company, established by Maurice Sarrazin in 1945. This troupe, pivotal in France's theatrical decentralization, gained prominence by winning a prize at the 1946 Competition for Young Companies. By 1949, Sarrazin led the third National Drama Center (CDN), although his company faced challenges settling permanently in Toulouse until the Sorano Theater was built in 1964.

The theater underwent significant transformations over the years, most notably in 1985 when Jacques Rosner took the helm of the CDN. The theater was renamed the National Theater of Toulouse in 1987. A new chapter began in 1998 when Jacques Nichet inaugurated the City Theater (Théâtre de la Cité), a modern facility designed by architect Alain Sarfati on the former site of the music conservatory. This building not only preserved the historical facade but also incorporated the remnants of Toulouse’s ancient Gallo-Roman ramparts.