La Gaite Lyrique Museum Cultural Centre
The Gaite Lyrique is a relatively new museum in Paris and a cultural centre dedicated arts such as film making, music, visual arts, design, video games, the web and computer programming plus much more, with a packed agenda of shows, concerts, etc.
About the Gaite Lyrique
When you look back at the history of the Gaite Lyrique, you will find that it takes its name from the original name of the building, which was called the Theatre de la Gaite Lyrique, yet rather than just being a theatre, the place has become a cultural centre and exhibition space for digital media.
Even though it is classed as a museum in Paris, it is more like looking forward in terms of technology, as La Gaite Lyrique explores all different forms of digital culture such as film, film animation, graphic design, computer programming, software and the world wide web.
Yet this venue has a diverse and wide programme that also approaches other creative fields such as music and visual arts including theatre, dance and circus, but also the relationship between all of these forms of entertainment.
There are approximately 120 performances of live shows and multimedia shows held here every year, along with several concerts every week, Sunday afternoon concerts, plus productions dedicated to either children or teenagers.
In addition to these there are lectures, short films, feature films and documentaries, plus this cultural centre and museum in Paris also hosts several large themed exhibitions each year as well.
Part of the mission of the Gaite Lyrique is to promote new forms of media, create awareness and help people discover their artistic and technological potential through these forms of media, and with this in mind, there is a fabulous resource centre that anyone can access completely free of charge.
La Gaite Lyrique also has a video gaming area located on the first floor that is open at the same times as the rest of the centre and equipped with gaming units with large screens and consoles, it explores the latest trends in video gaming, which makes it possible to play all types of games including those online.
In addition to these there is bar located within the historical foyer, called Le bar du Foyer Historique, which is located on the second floor of the building and has been completely renovated and restored to provide a calm and sophisticated setting for a relaxing drink or snack such as savoury or sweet pastries plus sandwiches are available on concert nights.
One the first floor of the Gaite Lyrique cultural centre you have the Le bar du Plateau Media, which translates in English to The Media Platform Bar that has a contemporary interior decoration and with free WiFi plus board games available, this has become a casual and friendly place to meet up with friends and is also popular with freelancers working.
Plus there is the Summer Bar and Terrace, which is located on the ground floor next to the historical lobby of the Gaite Lyrique that was constructed in 1862. Open from May through to the end of August and facing onto the Square Emile-Chautemps, this cafe in Paris offers a range of snacks and beverages that you can enjoy away from hustle and bustle, noise and traffic.
So as you can tell, this museum and cultural centre, which was opened by the City of Paris, is a great place to enjoy with friends or family and has so much to offer every visitor, and it is always constantly changing and evolving.
Visiting the Gaite Lyrique Cultural Centre and Museum in Paris
The Gaite Lyrique is located in the 3rd Arrondissement of Paris only around a ten minute walk from the Pompidou Centre or Les Halles, which is open on a Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm through to 8pm, however they are closed on a Monday and on all national French holidays.
You will also be pleased to know that the whole centre is accessible to disabled visitors and the box office, which is located on the ground floor at reception, is open at the same times as La Gaite Lyrique except for on a Sunday when it closes at 6pm, however, you can also book tickets online at their website.
The Resource Centre, Video Gaming space and the gift shop are also open from 2pm through to 8pm on a Tuesday to Saturday, yet these also close at 6pm on a Sunday.
Access to La Gaite Lyrique
You will find there are numerous ways in which to get to this cultural centre via public transport in Paris, so let us start with the Metro with three different Metro stations being reasonably close by.
The first is Reaumur-Sebastopol stop serving lines 3 or 4, then you have the Art et Metiers stop via lines 3 or 11 and the other in the opposite direction is called the Strasbourg Saint-Denis stop, which serves lines 4, 8 or 9.
When it come to the RER trains, the closest train station is the Chatelet les Halles stop serving lines A, B or D, alternatively, if you fancy cycling, then there are two Velib stations for the self service bike hire scheme located close by.
However, if you are travelling by bus then you would need the bus lines 20, 29, 38, 39, 47 or 75, yet if utilising the Noctilien, which is the Night Bus Service, the Noctilien lines N12, N13, N14 or N23, will get you within walking distance of La Gaite Lyrique and other tourist attractions in this area of Paris.
