Place de la Comédie is a square in the city centre of Bordeaux, in Gironde. It is associated with the Grand-Théâtre, which stands on its east side, and it connects the beginning of rue Sainte-Catherine to the north with the southern end of allées de Tourny. The area is a pedestrian zone and is crossed by a tram line near Grand Théâtre station on cours de l’Intendance.

The square has historical significance that goes back to the Gallo-Roman period, when the grand monument of the Piliers de Tutelle was located here. The present Place de la Comédie was built under the intendancies of Boucher and Tourny by the king’s architects Jacques Gabriel. In June 2013, a 7-meter-high sculpture titled Sanna, by Jaume Plensa, was installed near the entrance of rue Sainte-Catherine. It was initially intended to remain only for an exhibition, and the city later launched a public subscription to acquire it, though the required sum was not raised.

◎ Nearby Objects

• 
  Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux 70 m away
• 
  Hôtel Saige 140 m away
• 
  Église Notre-Dame de Bordeaux 150 m away
• 
  Église Saint-Rémi 200 m away
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  Théâtre Femina 250 m away

Location and Surroundings

Place de la Comedie is located in the city center of Bordeaux, in Gironde. The Grand-Theatre is constructed on the east side of the square, linking the space directly to one of the area's principal buildings.

Location and Access

Place de la Comedie links the northern beginning of rue Sainte-Catherine with the southern end of the alllees de Tourny. It is a pedestrian zone, which emphasizes its role as a walkable urban space. The area is also crossed by a tram line near Grand Theatre station on cours de l'Intendance, providing public transport access through the site.

History and Public Art

According to Histoire, the site of Place de la Comedie in Bordeaux was occupied during the Gallo Roman period by the grand monument of the Piliers de Tutelle. The square itself was built under the intendancies of Boucher and Tourny, by the kings architects Jacques Gabriel. This gives the place a layered historical significance, linking its urban development to both ancient remains and eighteenth century planning.

In June 2013, a 7 meter high sculpture was installed near the entrance of rue Sainte Catherine. The work, titled Sanna, was created by Jaume Plensa. It was initially intended to remain only for the duration of an exhibition, but the city hall decided to launch a public subscription to acquire it. With an estimated value between 400,000 and 500,000 euros, the necessary sum was not raised. An anonymous private buyer then offered the city to keep the sculpture in place.