Toulon Opera
An evening in the temple of lyrical artAn exceptional cultural scene
Classified as a historic monument, the Toulon Opera embodies the refinement of the 19th century as well as contemporary artistic vitality. With its elegant facade and sumptuous decor, it offers much more than a stage: it offers a sensory experience in which music, theater and dance are summoned to carry the audience away. Go backstage at this historic venue and experience the fascinating magic of its shows.
5 good reasons to spend an evening at the Opéra de Toulon
- Enjoy a demanding lyrical program
- A timeless artistic experience
- Choose from a variety of shows: opera, theater, dance, film-concert
- Discovering new lyrical talent
- Immerse yourself in exceptional acoustics
Architectural jewel
Since 1862, the Opéra has stood out admirably in the heart of the city: the first monument built when Toulon was enlarged in the 19th century, the neo-classical building stands proudly on Place Victor Hugo. Observe its semicircular arches, gray and pink columns and pediment: geometric friezes and six statues of muses adorn this temple to art, in Byzantine and Orientalist style. Enter the Opera House via its wide staircase, and enter a palace richly decorated with stucco, gold, garnet velvet, monumental paintings and finely crafted chandeliers.
Our advice
During your visit to the Opéra, take time out to visit the Campra foyer and terrace. Entirely restored, it hosts chamber concerts, recitals, conferences…and its decoration of side mirrors reveals the splendid proportions of this Second Empire hall. From the terrace, the plunging view over the square and surrounding facades offers a pleasant vantage point over the old town.
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A moment out of time
Settled in your orchestra chair on the parterre of the main hall, you observe everything around you. The impressive ceiling painting immediately catches your eye: by Louis Duveau, it pays allegorical homage to Toulon, in an airy pantheon of gods and illustrious playwrights. Every detail is a true work of art, and the whole abounds in symbols and artistic references in a flamboyant symphony of colors.
Before the show begins, take a tour of the hall’s floors: balconies and boxes, sculpted decorations, caryatids and stucco garlands transport you to another era. Your mind wanders and imagines the life of yesteryear, in top hat and frock coat, corset and cape. You come to as the auditorium darkens and the curtain rises on the stage set: tonight, you have an appointment with Puccini and his Tosca. The journey continues, in Italy and in music.
Master programming
The Opéra de Toulon is renowned for its high-quality programming, season after season. Remarkable selections, blending the great classics of the repertoire with more confidential works, delight devotees and neophytes alike. A symphonic season led by the Opéra orchestra, film-concerts, dance, theater and awareness-raising initiatives for schoolchildren all add to the cultural season with masterly skill.
How do I get to the Opéra?
By car: from the east or west entrances to the city, take the “Centre-ville” direction via boulevard de Strasbourg. The Opéra is located on the same boulevard, opposite Avenue Colbert.
Park in the“Peiresc Marché” (3-minute walk) or Q-Park ” Liberté ” (4-minute walk) underground parking lots, or in the center’s streets (paid parking until 7pm, Monday to Friday).
By bus, from Thursday evening to Saturday evening, the Mistral network runs a night service (8 lines). Lines 1, 3, 18, 19, 39 drop you off at the “Liberté” stop on boulevard de Strasbourg, a 4-minute walk from the Opéra.