Opéra national du Rhin
Since 1972 the Opéra national du Rhin has brought together the opera and dance companies of Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Colmar. In Strasbourg its productions are staged at the opera house on place Broglie, a neoclassical theatre whose portico of Ionic columns is crowned by Muses. A national opera since 1997, it offers opera, ballet and concerts throughout the season.
Three cities, one company
In 1972 the opera companies of Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Colmar merged to form the Opéra du Rhin, at the initiative of Germain Muller, an actor, director and Strasbourg's deputy mayor for culture. Since 1997 the company has held the status of a national opera in the regions. Each city has its role: Strasbourg hosts the choirs and the set and costume workshops, Mulhouse the Ballet, a national choreographic centre since 1985, and Colmar the Opéra Studio, which trains young singers.
The theatre on place Broglie
In Strasbourg the company performs at the theatre at 19 place Broglie, on the Grande Île. The building, by the architect Villot, was erected between 1804 and 1821. Its neoclassical façade features a colossal portico of Ionic columns topped by six Muses carved by Landolin Ohmacht. The façade has been a protected historic monument since 1921. The auditorium seats about 1,100.
Shelled in 1870, then rebuilt
In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, the theatre was partly destroyed by German shelling. It was then restored, and during works in 1888 a rounded projecting section was added at the back, still visible today. As for the Muses on the façade, they are often said to number nine, but there are in fact only six. A fun detail to check by looking up before you go in.
A company recognised across Europe
The Opéra national du Rhin's productions are accompanied by the Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg and the Orchestre national de Mulhouse. In 2011 its production of Wagner's Götterdämmerung won the French critics' Grand Prix, and the German magazine Opernwelt named it opera house of the year in 2019. A member of the Réunion des Opéras de France and Opera Europa, the company performs in Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Colmar.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see an Opéra national du Rhin performance in Strasbourg?
At the opera house, 19 place Broglie, on the Grande Île. Performances are also given in Mulhouse, at La Filature and the Théâtre de la Sinne, and in Colmar, at the municipal theatre.
Why is the Opéra national du Rhin notable?
It is an opera and ballet company shared by three Alsatian cities, a national opera since 1997, honoured notably by Opernwelt in 2019. In Strasbourg it performs in a neoclassical theatre whose façade has been protected since 1921.
How can you attend a performance?
The season, dates and ticketing are on the Opéra national du Rhin's website. Book early for major opera productions.
What to do before or after the show?
Place Broglie is in the heart of the Grande Île: place Kléber is a stone's throw away, and in December the square hosts the historic Christmas market. The place de la République area, in the Neustadt, begins just across the canal.
Wikimedia Commons — Robert Cutts from Bristol, England, UK
