Théatre de la Coupe d'Or Tourist sites in Rochefort

The Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or is a true architectural and cultural gem in the town of Rochefort, in Charente-Maritime. It is the municipal theatre and is a central element of local artistic life.

A Rich Historical Heritage

The history of the Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or dates back to 1766, when Mayor Hèbre de Saint-Clément ceded the plot named "Coupe d'Or", located between Rue de la République and Rue Pierre Loti, to a group of shareholders. The shows, which had previously been held in private salons , were thus able to have a dedicated venue. Construction was completed in 1769 under the direction of Giovanni Antonio Berinzago. Initially, it was known as the " Théâtre de la Marine ", in reference to Rochefort's port vocation and its audience, which was mainly composed of naval officers. The building was listed as a Historic Monument in 1969, thus recognizing its heritage value.

Ingenious and Decorated Architecture

The Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or is a magnificent example of an Italian-style theatre. At first glance, it may not seem very large, but it is actually quite deep, stretching from Rue de la République (where the main façade is located) to Rue Pierre Loti (where the artists' entrance is located).

• One of the interior's key features is its marouflaged canvas ceiling. It depicts ancient muses and allegories gravitating around the central chandelier, with decorative elements highlighting the names of great national authors such as Corneille, Molière, Racine, Beaumarchais and Victor Hugo.
• The interior architecture is typical of 18th-century theatres, with overlapping balconies and a horseshoe-shaped hall, designed for optimal acoustics and to allow good visibility for all spectators.

An Active Cultural Center

Today, the Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or is a licensed venue, renowned for the quality of its multidisciplinary programming of professional live shows. It offers a rich and diverse program that includes theater, music, dance, circus and even magic, aimed at all audiences.

Since 2018, the Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or has merged its programming with La Coursive, the Scène Nationale de La Rochelle, thus allowing the sharing of joint shows each season and enriching the cultural offering for the region's residents. In addition to hosting shows, the theater is also a place of artistic production, offering artist residencies and local events (dance performances from the city's schools).