On November 11, 1920 Firmin Gémier inaugurated the Théâtre national Populaire at the Palais du Trocadéro (built in 1878 for the World's Fair) and he continued to manage it until his death in 1933. on February 1st, 1936 the first conerstone was laid on the old Trocadéro foundations for construction of the palais de Chaillot, to serve for the 1937 World's Fair. At the time, newspaper reporters marveled at the size of the new theater, with its seating capacity of nearly 3000. The height from the lowest floor to the rooftop is equal to that of Notre Dame Cahedral's towers.
Description of project by Brossy & Associates
The Théâtre National de Chaillot requires a major refit, as the original 1936 design by Jacques Carlu does not meet regulations.
Restore the historic foyer overlooking the Seine, by reopening the imposing facade on the Place de Varsovie.
Construct new stage machinery capable of meeting the demands of the TNC’s new artistic programme.
The Firmin Gémier auditorium is completely refitted to create a flexible, modular 390-seat space, equipped with a large backstage area, opening new possibilities for performance and presentation. The renovation includes work to meet fire safety regulations as well as improving disabled access.