A unique encounter with the Comédie-Française, powered by donors’ generosity, highlights how cultural experiences can bring audiences closer to unique theatrical heritage.
One year on from the inaugural Fondation de France UK gala, we look back on one of the evening’s most memorable moments: an exceptional auction lot, offering a rare opportunity to discover the world of Le Misanthrope revived by the institution also known as “la Maison de Molière” (Molière’s house).
The winning bidder and their family were invited to enjoy a private backstage tour of the Comédie-Française with Guillaume Gallienne, a distinguished member of the gala’s Comité d’Honneur, and a Sociétaire of the renowned French theatre. This once-in-a-lifetime visit offered exceptional insight into one of France’s most celebrated cultural institutions. It was then followed by prestige seats for the performance in the historic Salle Richelieu.
Beyond the experience itself, this initiative illustrated how philanthropy can create meaningful connections with the arts, offering new ways to discover cultural heritage and encouraging wider audiences to engage with it.
Making theatre accessible to ever wider audiences
Founded in 1680, the Comédie-Française continues to preserve and share France’s theatrical heritage, while developing new ways to welcome audiences.
Since March 2024, performances at the historic Salle Richelieu have been accessible to English-speaking audiences, as well as to deaf and hard-of-hearing people thanks to an innovative surtitling device: the Smart Glasses Such initiatives embody the Comédie-Française’s motto: Simul et singulis; together, while remaining oneself. They create new opportunities for British and French audiences alike to experience artistic communion at this iconic cultural institution – together, yet in ways adapted to every walk of life.
Following 9 months of both technical and heritage restoration works, the Salle Richelieu reopened on 15 October 2026, with performances and visits resuming and a programme including Ruy Blas, L’Avare and Les Fourberies de Scapin. And this summer, at one of its other Parisian venues, the Comédie-Française will celebrate a quintessentially British author: the Queen of Crime, with Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap (or La Souricière, in French).
Philanthropy as a powerful bridge to culture
At Fondation de France UK, we believe philanthropy can do more than provide financial support: it can also help create opportunities for people to discover and engage with the arts differently.
The auction at our inaugural gala was one example of how generosity can build connections between people and cultural institutions, creating exceptional experiences.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Comédie-Française and the Fondation pour la Comédie-Française (operating under Fondation de France), Guillaume Gallienne and everyone whose generosity helped make this memorable encounter possible. Philanthropy keeps cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Know more about Comédie-Française
© Vincent Pontet, coll. Comédie-Française