The second installment of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority's contribution to the restoration of the Chateau de Fontainebleau’s Imperial Theatre has seen the launch of its final phase of restorative works. In recognition of Abu Dhabi’s contribution to the restoration, the theatre was renamed as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre.
As part of an agreement between the Government of Abu Dhabi and France in 2007, the contribution allows for the restoration of the theatre thanks to the generosity of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan .
The first phase of the restoration was completed in April 2014 and saw the rejuvenation of the main auditorium with 25 specialists and 135 craftsmen working on site, reviving the theatre’s original decor. The second phase of renovation will begin in June this year, focusing on machinery, the upper levels of the salons and the podium upon which one of the most important stage sets in France has been preserved. In spring 2019, the public will be able to experience the Second Empire architectural masterpiece in its entirety. The theatre was exquisitely designed by Hector Lefuel for the Imperial family between 1853 and 1856, and was used by Napoleon III just a dozen times before its doors were closed for over a century, thus preserving it in its original state.
Following these restoration works, the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre will represent a museo-graphic space dedicated to performing arts and decorative arts of the Second Empire.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "The protection of cultural heritage anywhere is of the upmost importance to ensure that the history of our societies and civilisations is passed onto 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 Chateau de Fontainebleau is located 55 kilometres southeast of the centre of Paris, and is one of the largest and most famous French royal chateaux. The medieval castle and later chateau was the residence of French monarchs from Louis VII through Napoleon III. Napoleon I abdicated his throne there before being exiled to Elba. Today, it is a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Source: WAM