Théâtre de verdure de Nice: open-air theater in Jardin Albert

The Théâtre de verdure de Nice is a sylvan theater located in the heart of Jardin Albert, opposite the sea and in front of the Monument du Centenaire, which symbolizes the attachment of the Comté de Nice to France. Constructed in 1946 and designed by François Aragon, it forms part of the urban and landscape setting of the garden.

The theater is bordered by pine trees, palm trees, cypress trees, and fountains. Its architecture is inspired by Greek style, and it includes amphitheater-style seating. At the back of the stage stands a stone wall topped by two statues of antique craftsmanship. The site also features two monumental statues, La tragédie and La danse, created by sculptor Victor Nicolas.

The venue has hosted a long series of music and show-business performances for more than fifty years. In the 1980s, it was nicknamed the temple of rock and welcomed artists including Édith Piaf, Yves Montand, Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg, The Clash, The Cure, Iron Maiden, Prince, Téléphone, and Sting. It has also served as the setting for various shows and different audience capacities.

Map showing the location of Théâtre de verdure de Nice in Nice — Location of **Théâtre de verdure de Nice** in Nice

Nearby Objects

Location and Historical Setting

The Theatre de verdure de Nice was constructed in 1946 and designed by the architect Francois Aragon. It is located in the heart of Jardin Albert, opposite the sea, and in front of the Monument du Centenaire. The Monument du Centenaire symbolizes the attachment of the Comte de Nice to France, placing the theatre within a significant civic and historical setting.

Architecture and Performance History

The Theatre de verdure de Nice is bordered by pine trees, palm trees, cypress trees, and fountains. Its design is inspired by Greek style, and the theater includes amphitheater-style seating. At the back of the stage there is a stone wall topped by two statues of antique craftsmanship, and the site also features two monumental statues, La tragédie and La danse, created by sculptor Victor Nicolas. The theater offers multiple audience capacities and serves the production of various shows. It began a long career hosting major figures in music and show business for more than fifty years, including Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, Charles Aznavour, and Serge Gainsbourg. In the 1980s it was nicknamed the temple of rock, when it also presented performances by The Clash, The Cure, Iron Maiden, Prince, Telephone, and Sting.

Music Festivals at the Theatre de Verdure

Between 2006 and 2014, the Theatre de Verdure de Nice hosted Spectacles, a music festival that began as Les enfants du rock, a rock festival organized by Ivoire Music from 2006 to 2009. In 2010, the event was renamed Crazy Week after Ivoire Music broadened its artistic scope. Its first edition under this name took place at the theatre de verdure de Nice from 6 to an unspecified date. The festival drew nearly 10,000 spectators in 2011, when the lineup included The D, Cocorosie, and Louis Bertignac. That same year, Nice-Matin described it as the first musiques actuelles festival and the second festival after the Nice Jazz Festival. In 2012, the event presented an international lineup led by Mika and Roger Hodgson. The festival ended before its planned 2015 edition because Ivoire Music stopped making payments. Its disappearance came at the same time as several other major summer music events in Nice, including Les Voix du Gaou.

Use for Public Events

The Theatre of Verdure in Nice was selected by Evnements to host a fan zone during the 2016 European Football Championship. This use shows the site serving as a public gathering place for a major sporting event. The selection of the venue for a fan zone indicates that it was considered suitable for hosting large-scale public activities connected to the championship.