Architecture

Théâtre Sébastopol

Lille

Théâtre Sébastopol is a theatre and performance hall located at place Sébastopol in Lille. It presents more than sixty performances annually, including concerts, plays, and one-man shows, and also hosts screenings, festivals, conferences, debates, and political meetings. Its program has included performances by well-known francophone artists and international personalities. The venue’s audience is often reputed as one of the best in France. The theatre is served by the République - Beaux-Arts metro station.

The history of the building is linked to the period after the fire of the Grand Théâtre, when Gustave Delory, then mayor of Lille, discussed reconstruction plans at the municipal council. The theatre was intended to reopen quickly to avoid cancellation of the following season. The foundations were built on a site where linen hall foundations had already been dug. Construction began with the foundations, followed by above-ground work. The works cost 349,826 francs, exceeding the initial budget of 300,000 francs. The history also records electrical and carpentry work, reinforcement of staircase balustrades, and a complete repainting of the hall. After a 1998 safety renovation, the auditorium has 1,350 seats, and the venue is under private management by Guy Marseguerra.

Map showing the location of Théâtre Sébastopol in Lille
Location of Théâtre Sébastopol in Lille

Nearby Objects

Use and Cultural Role

Theatre Sebastopol is a theater and performance hall located at Place Sebastopol in Lille. It hosts more than sixty performances each year, including concerts, plays, and one-man shows. The venue also presents screenings, festivals, conferences, debates, and political meetings. Its program includes performances by famous francophone artists and international personalities. The audience is often reputed to be one of the best in France. The theatre is served by the Republique - Beaux-Arts metro station.

Reconstruction and Early Works

After the Grand Theatre fire, Gustave Delory, then mayor of Lille, spoke at the municipal council about the plans for reconstruction. The theatre was intended to reopen so that the following season would not be cancelled. The site already had foundations dug for linen halls where the theatre stood, and construction of the new foundations began on the specified date. Above-ground work started on the specified date as well.

The works cost 349 826 francs, which exceeded the initial budget of 300 000 francs. The recorded work also included electrical and carpentry tasks, with reinforcement of the staircase balustrades. The theatre hall underwent a complete repainting during this phase of work.

Current Features and Management

Since the 1998 safety renovation, Theatre Sebastopol has had 1,350 seats. Its current characteristics include very good visibility and perfect acoustics, which have contributed to its constant success. The venue is under the private management of Guy Marseguerra.