Second phase of UAE’s restoration of French theatre begins

The auditorium before restoration. The restoration of Chateau de Fontainebleau’s Imperial Theatre, now renamed as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre, is nearing completion. Courtesy Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi

The theatre’s dress circle after restoration. Courtesy Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi

The ceiling painted by Andre-Charles Voillemot, 1823-1893, after restoration. Courtesy Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi

Restoration of the Imperial Theatre at the Chateau de Fontainebleau is turning to the upper salons and the painted ceiling as work, partly paid for by the UAE, enters its final stage.

ABU DHABI // Restoration work at the Chateau de Fontainebleau’s Imperial Theatre in France is under way as Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority’s refurbishment of the Unesco World Heritage Site moves into its second phase.

As part of the agreement between Abu Dhabi Government and France in 2007, which also included the Louvre Abu Dhabi project, President Sheikh Khalifa agreed to contribute to restoring the theatre, which is part of one of the largest French royal chateaux.

The first phase of the restoration was completed in April 2014 and included the rejuvenation of the main auditorium.

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Revisit our coverage of the Fontainebleau theatre’s restoration

■ Historic French theatre restored and renamed in honour of Sheikh Khalifa

■ In pictures: Inside the Sheikh Khalifa theatre at the Palace of Fontainebleau

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In the second phase the focus will turn to the upper levels of the salons and the podium upon which one of the most important stage sets in France has been preserved.

Twenty-five specialists and 135 craftsmen worked on the first phase, reviving the theatre’s original decor.

In recognition of Abu Dhabi’s contribution to the restoration, the theatre has been renamed the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said: “The protection of cultural heritage anywhere is of the ­utmost importance to ensure that the history of our societies and civilisations is passed on to future generations.

“It is through our common commitments to this cause that we have been able to make great strides in our cultural cooperation with France. The renovation of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre represents our nation’s dedication to the preservation of this heritage, not just within our own region but internationally as we strive towards a global community united by culture.”

The theatre will be open to the public in spring 2019, when guests will be able to experience this Second Empire architectural masterpiece in its entirety.

A classified Unesco World Heritage Site, Fontainebleau, which is home to 1,530 invaluable artefacts and furniture, was the residence of 34 French monarchs and emperors.

Napoleon said farewell to his Old Guard there and went into exile in 1814.

With modifications to the chateau’s structure, including the cobblestone entrance wide enough for his carriage, Napoleon helped make the chateau the place that visitors experience today.

The chateau is also home to the Ecoles d’Art Americaines, a school of art, architecture and music.

Originally designed by Hector Lefuel for the Imperial family between 1853 and 1856, the theatre was used by Napoleon III on no more than a dozen occasions, before its doors were closed for more than a century, thus preserving it in its original state.