Royal Opera of Versailles

The Royal Opera of Versailles is the main theatre and opera house of the Palace of Versailles. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it is also known as the Théâtre Gabriel. The interior decoration by Augustin Pajou is constructed almost entirely of wood, painted to resemble marble in a technique known as faux marble. The excellent acoustics of the opera house are at least partly due to its wooden interior. The house is located at the northern extremity of the north wing of the palace. General public access to the theater is gained through the two-story vestibule. Some parts of the Opera, such as the king's Loge and the king's Boudoir represent some of the earliest expressions of what would become known as Louis XVI style. Jean-Baptiste Lully's Persée — written in 1682, the year Louis XIV moved into the palace — inaugurated the Opera on 16 May 1770 in celebration of the marriage of the Dauphin — the future Louis XVI — to Marie Antoinette.