Located at 3 bis rue Papin in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, La Gaîté Lyrique is a flagship City of Paris cultural centre dedicated to digital arts, modern music and creative innovation. Housed in a 19th‑century theatre – with its majestic façade, entrance hall and historic foyer preserved – it reopened in 2011 after a redesign by architect Manuelle Gautrand.

Its rich history dates back to 1763 on the Boulevard du Temple, relocating to rue Papin in 1862. It enjoyed a golden era of operetta (notably Offenbach), hosted Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in the Roaring Twenties, was shut in 1963, and repurposed into a short‑lived amusement park, “Planète magique”, between 1989 and 1991. Today, only the historic façade remains from the original theatre.

Today, under its “Fabrique de l’époque” project, La Gaîté Lyrique embodies a blend of artistic creation and social engagement. Supported by partners such as Arty Farty, SINGA, ARTE, makesense and Actes Sud, it presents diverse events: concerts, exhibitions, talks, workshops, performances, screenings and themed discussions confronting current cultural and social issues.

Visitors explore modular spaces: the main auditorium (up to 300 seated or 500 standing), historic foyer, auditorium, immersive gallery, creative studios, a forum and a video‑gaming & podcast space.

The ambience merges urban energy and avant‑garde design with historical charm. It attracts a youthful, inquisitive crowd drawn to digital expressions, alongside families attending children’s events or festivals. A highlight exhibition, “PULSE” (Dec 2024–Jul 2025), offered a multisensory journey of light‑and‑sound installations by 1024 Architecture.

A fun fact: between 1989 and 1991 the former theatre housed “Planète magique”, an indoor amusement park that failed spectacularly, leaving the building neglected until its 21st‑century revival.

Practical info: open Tuesday–Friday 9 am‑10 pm (sometimes until 11 pm in summer), Saturday–Sunday from 11 am‑7 pm, closed on Mondays. Entry is free unless attending ticketed events. Box office open Tue–Fri 4 pm‑6 pm, Sat–Sun 2 pm‑6 pm. Fully accessible via soft transport: Metro Réaumur‑Sébastopol, Arts et Métiers; buses 20, 38, 47; bike/scooter with complimentary equipment cloakroom on concert nights. Nearby Vinci parking available. Restrooms and Wi‑Fi on site.

This venue targets urban, creative visitors engaged with digital arts and contemporary culture. Students, young professionals, curious families, and creative industry professionals will find inspiration, learning and social connection through participative and inclusive events.