Arras, a city of art and history nestled in the Pas-de-Calais region, offers visitors and residents alike a rich and varied cultural scene. At the heart of this effervescence, theaters and concert halls occupy a place of choice, offering a diversified program that is sure to captivate fans of the performing arts. From “Le Pont de Singe” to the “Casino d’Arras”, let’s embark together on a discovery of these emblematic venues that make Arras’ cultural heart beat faster.
Casino d’Arras: A cultural beacon reinvented
Today, thanks to an ambitious renovation and bold programming, this arrageoise venue, which has stood the test of time, has become an essential space for artistic creation and distribution.
A little history
Initiated in 2013, the renovation of the Casino d’Arras marked a major turning point in the history of this venue. After more than three decades without major intervention, the building has undergone a complete overhaul. The works were designed to meet modern expectations in terms of comfort, safety and accessibility, while preserving the soul and aesthetics of the place. This ambitious project was carried out under the direction of architect Pierre Rousse, who had already left his mark on the site in 1983.
Corner view of the Casino d’Arras
The place itself
On the first floor, the main auditorium, known as the Grand’Scène, offers 582 seats, complemented by 348 seats on the balcony and 6 places dedicated to people with reduced mobility. The reconfiguration of the space has significantly improved visibility and comfort for spectators. In addition, in-depth work on acoustics has enriched the performance experience, making the hall a preferred venue for large-scale productions. Beneath the Casino’s foundations, an unexpected transformation has taken place: the Cellar, a hitherto unexplored space, has been fitted out to accommodate a standing audience of up to 600. With a separate entrance and modular capacity, this room lends itself to a variety of events, from exhibitions and cocktail parties to concerts in a more intimate atmosphere. The flexibility of this space adds a new dimension to the Casino’s programming, enabling it to expand its cultural offering.
A brief history of the building
The Casino d’Arras, built in the 1920s, was the brainchild of an influential casino family. Conceived as both an auditorium and a casino, it was never actually used for gambling. In the 1950s, it was transformed into a cinema, becoming a meeting place for film buffs until its closure in 1977. Under the aegis of the City of Arras, the Casino embraced a new mission: to become a multi-disciplinary cultural space. Orchestras, variety concerts, theater, comedy, dance and conferences have all found their place here, testifying to the richness and diversity of its programming. This versatility reflects our desire to reach out to a wide audience, offering quality events that are accessible to all.
Casino d’Arras location
Meeting point rue Emile Legrelle (Number 3) – Telephone: 03 21 16 89 00 :
Le Pharos: A thriving cultural hub
The Pharos lights up the cultural landscape of Arras with its 3,000 m² entirely dedicated to culture, embodying a veritable crossroads of artistic expression and innovation. This unique cultural complex goes far beyond the traditional notion of a concert hall, positioning itself as a veritable cultural ecosystem, vibrating to the rhythm of creations, encounters and sharing.
Architecture for acoustics and conviviality
At the heart of this space, the main auditorium boasts an exceptional acoustic quality that would have pleased Adam de la Halle, offering an unparalleled immersive experience to the 400 standing and 173 tiered spectators. Careful attention to acoustics underscores the Pharos’ commitment to providing an optimal setting for artistic performance, whether for concerts, plays or other forms of live entertainment. The Pharos outdoor amphitheater, which can accommodate up to 250 people, becomes the stage for free performances every Friday in July. These events, often dedicated to street theater, invite the public to make artistic discoveries in the open air, encouraging friendly, relaxed interaction between artists and spectators.
The Pharos entrance in Arras
A commitment to emerging talent and regional creation
The Pharos Lab symbolizes the Pharos’ commitment to supporting and accompanying young musical talent from Arras, as well as artists from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie region. Through initiatives such as the Mainsquare regional springboard and the provision of opening acts, the Pharos has established itself as a talent incubator, propelling the careers of tomorrow. Likewise, support for regional theater companies takes the form of attentive programming and creative residencies, testifying to the Pharos’ determination to be a key player in local artistic development.
Cultural activities for all
Le Pharos doesn’t just offer a rich and varied program; it is also committed to cultural initiatives aimed at democratizing access to culture. Through artist residencies, meetings, exhibitions and workshops (including improvisational theater for adults), the Pharos opens its doors to a diverse public, including schoolchildren, for moments of exchange and learning.
Address and location of Le Pharos in Arras: 4 Rue Charles Péguy (Between Collège Charles Péguy and the
médiathèque Verlaine – Telephone: 03 21 16 89 00
Le Pont du Singe, near the Casino
Le Pont du Singe, located in the heart of Arras and just a stone’s throw from the casino (on the same street), is much more than just a performance venue; it’s a space dedicated to artistic experimentation and contemporary creation. This unique venue offers a platform for avant-garde performances and the most audacious artistic expressions, distinguishing itself as a living laboratory of culture.
A space for artistic experimentation
Le Pont du Singe is a sanctuary for artists in search of a place where innovation and boundless creativity can flourish. Designed to encourage experimentation, it hosts a diverse range of artistic events, from experimental theater and contemporary dance to multimedia performances and sound installations. The venue is aimed at a curious and open-minded public, eager to immerse themselves in enriching and sometimes disconcerting cultural experiences.
Bold programming
Through its programming, Le Pont du Singe demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the promotion of art in all its forms. It’s a space where the boundaries between genres become blurred, where music can merge with the visual arts, and where theater can dialogue with digital technology. This multidisciplinary approach forms the basis of a rich and varied cultural offering, designed to surprise and provoke thought in its visitors.
Support for local and international artists
Le Pont du Singe is not just a venue for the arts; it’s also a space that supports artistic creation. By offering residencies and workspaces to local and international artists, it actively contributes to the cultural ecosystem of Arras and beyond. This supportive dimension translates into accompanying artists in the development of their projects, encouraging the emergence of new voices in the contemporary artistic landscape.
A view of the Monkey Bridge in Arras (exterior)
Beyond its artistic vocation, Le Pont du Singe aims to be a place for living, meeting and sharing. It invites the public to become involved in the creative process, through workshops, post-show discussions and meetings with the artists. This direct interaction between creators and audience enriches the cultural experience, breaking down the traditional barriers between stage and audience.
Location and phone number
Telephone number: 0>3 21 59 03 62 – 7 rue Émile Legrelle (a street very close to the
Place des Héros :
The Arras theater: a cultural jewel in the heart of the city
The Théâtre d’Arras, majestically located at 7-9 place du Théâtre and 26 bis rue Ernestale, is one of the jewels in Arras’ cultural crown. This Italian-style theater, with its facade listed as a historic monument since November 19, 1946 and all its buildings listed since October 18, 2000, embodies the city’s history and artistic vitality.
A building steeped in history
Inaugurated on November 30, 1785, the Théâtre d’Arras has stood the test of time, constantly reinventing itself to adapt to the needs and tastes of the times. Work in 1828 saw the addition of a concert hall, magnificently decorated by Charles-Antoine Cambon, adding a new dimension to this already rich theatrical complex. Renovation work between 2004 and 2007 introduced the Salle André-Reybaz, a modular space with seating for 90 and standing room for 180, complementing the 380-seat Salle à l’italienne and the 350-seat Salle des Concerts.
TANDEM Scène Nationale: A major cultural project
2013 marked a decisive turning point for the Théâtre d’Arras when it joined forces with the Hippodrome de Douai, giving birth to TANDEM Scène nationale. This union, certified as a “Scène nationale”, is a first of its kind and represents one of the major cultural projects in the Hauts-de-France region. With six stages spread between the two sites, TANDEM offers an eclectic and ambitious program, embracing theater, dance, music, circus, digital art and cinema. This diversity reflects TANDEM’s commitment to offering works with national and international appeal, from timeless classics to daring contemporary creations.
A view of the Arras theater
A renowned artistic crossroads
Over the years, the Théâtre d’Arras has welcomed a host of renowned artists, from Rufus Wainwright and Gaëlle Bourges to Jan Fabre, François Chaignaud, Imany and Tindersticks. These names illustrate the richness and diversity of the talent that has graced the theater’s stages, contributing to its reputation as one of the nerve centers of artistic creation in the region and far beyond.
Geographical location of the Arras theater
Telephone number: 09 71 00 56 78 – Nearby, in a street opposite the square, you’ll also find Robespierre’s house.
From the majestic Théâtre d’Arras, an Italian-style architectural gem, to the Pont du Singe, a space dedicated to artistic experimentation, to Le Pharos, a veritable crossroads of cultural expression, and the Casino d’Arras, a showcase for major productions, each venue contributes to the city’s cultural richness. These venues, each with its own identity and specific programming, offer Arras residents and visitors an eclectic range of entertainment and artistic discoveries. By supporting local talent as well as hosting internationally renowned artists, these venues play an active role in the cultural dialogue and development of Arras’ artistic life, making the city a key cultural hub in the Hauts-de-France region.
R.C.
