An ambitious rehabilitation project
The Opéra, an emblematic Toulon building built in 1862, is undergoing a major transformation.
The Opéra, an emblematic building in Toulon built in 1862, is currently undergoing a major transformation. Métropole TPM, manager of the venue since 2003, has launched a vast rehabilitation project spanning 36 months and requiring an investment of €38 million. The objective is to reconcile the conservation of this historic monument with modernization needs.
The rehabilitation has begun. It required 18 months of studies, and the building has been under construction for 36 months since January 2025, with 5 different types of programs: scenography, heritage, layout, technical and structural consolidation, building envelope and roofing.
6 TARGETED OPERATIONS The rehabilitation project is divided into six targeted operations, each aiming to bring specific elements of the Opéra back to life. First, the sculptures and gilding. The carton-pierre moldings, representing caryatids, children, and winged figures, will be restored.
The works, which began in June, will be completed for a scheduled delivery in September 2026.
Next, the chandeliers. Thus, the metal sconces decorated with cherubs attached to the columns are being renovated according to the same work schedule.
Then, the marouflaged canvases of the Putti. They are painted with glue-based paint, representing musician cherubs. They will be restored, with delivery also scheduled for September 2026.
And, the painted decors. The compositions are painted on canvas, marouflaged on plaster, and held by tacks. The cartouches feature floral compositions.
In the auditorium, they alternate with cherubs and stucco and gilt garlands. The rehabilitation work also began in June with delivery in September 2026.
Furthermore, the renovation also concerns the marouflaged canvas of Duveau's ceiling. It is a tempera painting on a circular marouflaged canvas of 200 m2 consisting of a trompe-l'œil sky, with allegories and dramaturgies accompanied by 124 characters from their plays. In the center of a circle of clouds dominates Apollon, God of the arts inspiring the muses.
Finally, you can participate in funding the new seats for the grand hall of the Opéra. The work began in September, with scheduled delivery in March 2027.
MAINTENANCE OF THE PROGRAMMING Despite this major work, the Opéra will continue to welcome its public in other venues such as the Zénith, the théâtre Liberté, the Palais Neptune in Toulon, at Châteauvallon in Ollioules, or at the parc de la Méditerranée in Six-Fours-les-Plages, thus ensuring access to culture during this transformation period. The project benefits from the support of various partners, including the État, the Région, the Département, and the Fondation du Patrimoine. This support highlights the importance of the Opéra de Toulon as a cultural heritage to be preserved.
With this rehabilitation, the Opéra de Toulon is moving towards a harmonious future, combining tradition and modernity, while continuing to be a place of life and creation for artists and the public. Toulonnais can look forward to this new era for their Opéra, a symbol of the city's cultural identity.
Laurette PARAY - Photos by Philippe OLIVIER.