The Théâtre National de Chaillot in the magnificent Palais de Chaillot at Trocadéro, directly opposite the Eiffel Tower, is one of the five French national theatres and the centre of state-supported dance in France. The building was constructed in 1937 for the World's Fair and houses one of the largest theatre halls in Europe with 1,200 seats in the Salle Jean-Vilar, alongside the smaller Salle Firmin-Gémier. Under Jean Vilar's legendary directorship in the 1950s (then as Théâtre national populaire), the house became the manifesto of a popular theatre of the highest quality, intended to make classics and modernism accessible to a broad audience. Gérard Philipe, Daniel Sorano, and Maria Casarès shaped the stage. Since its reorientation as Chaillot Théâtre National de la Danse under Didier Deschamps (2011-2022), the house concentrates on contemporary dance and hosts annually the leading international companies — from Akram Khan through Hofesh Shechter to Crystal Pite.
The large terrace in front of the house offers one of the best-known postcard views of the Eiffel Tower — from the foyer, audiences look directly at the Paris landmark during intervals.
At a glance
- Type
- Multi-genre theatre
- Location
- Paris, France
- Address
- 1 Place du Trocadéro, 75116
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