Inaugurated on December 19, 1989, the National Theater of Nice is on the path to destruction. One of the statues that once stood on its forecourt has been removed, symbolizing the beginning of the end for the building. This demolition is wanted by the mayor of the city, Christian Estrosi, which is met with strong opposition.
“It’s a part of Nice’s cultural soul that will be brought down by a form of megalomaniacal madness and personal drift,” protests the Republican deputy Eric Ciotti, who questions the Minister of Culture, Roseline Bachelot, in the Assembly on Tuesday, January 1. A verbal attack aimed at the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, and his plan to demolish the National Theater of Nice (TNN). The first stage of demolition began on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. The “Loch Ness Monster” statue by Niki de Saint Phalle has taken its leave. It had been located on the forecourt since 2001. This sculpture, measuring 5 meters by 3, was packed up and taken to a confidential location. It is expected to later find its place on the extension of the Paillon promenade. Next week, it’s the work “Stabile-mobile” by Alexander Calder that will give up its place.
The first stage of the destruction of this building begins with the asbestos removal from the theater. Its demolition is expected to extend until the end of the year. A project that is expected to generate 13,000 tons of waste. However, a significant portion is expected to be recycled. The marble slabs that cover the façade of the building will be reused. The municipality had them replaced just over 10 years ago at a cost of 10 million euros.
Deputy versus Minister
This project aiming to replace the TNN with an extension of the Paillon promenade continues to draw fury from the opposition. Eric Ciotti directly addressed Roseline Bachelot, whose ministry is responsible for culture: “Madam Minister, solemnly, today I ask you to be faithful to what your illustrious predecessors did to preserve elements of the Niçoise heritage.” She replied, “The condition of the building no longer meets technical, functional, and artistic needs. It requires substantial work to bring it up to standard costing between 12 and 18 million. And it no longer allows for deploying an accommodation capacity and a cultural offer suited to the population’s needs.” She nevertheless assured that she would closely monitor the construction of other theater spaces that will replace what was the TNN.
75.6 million euros
To recall, the extension of the Coulée verte is included in Estrosi’s electoral program during his 2020 campaign. In July of the same year, he put this project on the town council’s agenda, but it encountered opposition from the National Rally as well as ecologists.
The destruction of the building was initially estimated at 1.5 million euros. A figure that nearly doubled following assessments. The total envelope of 75.6 million euros was secured over the months and through municipal councils. The sum is distributed between the State and the Region and the department of Alpes-Maritimes. Initially, 37.8 million are borne by the former and 7.6 million by the latter. The remainder is covered by the city of Nice. This project also includes the demolition of the Palais des Expositions Acropolis.
By mid-December 2021, a petition initiated by the former elected member from the Socialist Party, Patrick Allemand, gathered four thousand signatures. At the beginning of December, Roseline Bachelot had approved the project led by Christian Estrosi. On January 18, the Architect of Buildings of France also gave his approval for the demolition of the National Theater of Nice.
A transfer to the Franciscans
To replace the disappearance of the building, part of the TNN will be transferred to the former Franciscan church located in Old Nice. It should accommodate 350 spectators. The Palais des Arts et de la Culture will constitute the other part of the theater. The works for the latter are expected to start in 2024.
For the 2021-2022 season, five establishments across Nice will host performances. Among them, a temporary structure with 800 seats. It will be purchased by the city hall. The municipality will also make available the Diacosmie of the Nice Opera for artists’ rehearsals. A performance hall included in the “Iconic” project near the station will also host shows, but on a temporary basis.
