This listed theater in Montparnasse has been dormant for 40 years and has just reopened with a hidden speakeasy.

Studio Raspail, a listed theater from the Roaring Twenties, reopened its doors on May 5, 2026 in the Montparnasse district. Located at 216, boulevard Raspail in the 14th arrondissement, this venue steeped in history now offers a varied program. Culture lovers can enjoy plays, concerts, lectures and comedy shows.

A theater born in the heart of the Roaring Twenties in Montparnasse

Opened in 1932, the Studio Raspail was the brainchild of an American couple. Edward Titus and Helena Rubinstein wanted to welcome avant-garde playwrights from across the Atlantic. Their patronage enabled artists from all over the world to perform in the Studio Raspail.

This neighborhood theater in Montparnasse was part of the cultural effervescence of the time. The venue quickly attracted the most audacious creators. As a result, it became a symbol of the Parisian avant-garde.

From theater to arthouse cinema

In the 1930s, the studio changed course and became an art house cinema. The aim was to give visibility to experimental films. Little by little, the Studio Raspail established itself as a benchmark film club.

The venue’s daring programming led to threats of closure. Some works were deemed too daring for their time. This audacity proves that openness to all types of art is written into the DNA of these walls.

“Giving all types of art a chance is really in the DNA of these walls.”

Nearly a century of history and a difficult closure

In the 1980s, the hall closed its doors to the general public. It was then bought back for internal use. This blow deprived the Montparnasse district of a major cultural venue.

The theater reopened from time to time for association events. However, in 2022, it closed again for renovation. The building, listed as a historic monument in 1986, needed extensive restoration.

• Original opening: 1932
• Historical monument classification: 1986
• Closure for repairs: 2022
• Reopening: May 5, 2026
• Hall capacity: 285 seats

Studio Raspail is now coming back to life thanks to its new owner, Florence Méaux. Extensive work was carried out on the building. The stated ambition was to “recapture the elegance and sobriety of its original setting”.

Restoring the original spirit

On site, the storefront has been restored to its original signage. The auditorium now boasts pink walls combined with white seats. This soft palette recalls the elegance of the Roaring Twenties.

The bar has also been completely redesigned. Sober materials and sleek shapes evoke the liner style. A speakeasy completes the immersive experience.

A cultural venue open to all in the 14th arrondissement

The Studio Raspail aims to be an accessible space, without distinction. It’s for anyone who wants to discover art in all its forms. At the same time, it retains its period charm and strong identity.

In a Paris that’s tending towards uniformity, this Montparnasse theater meets a real need. At last, local residents have found a dynamic cultural venue. The varied program is designed to meet the expectations of a curious public.

The site’s ambition is clear: to honor the memory of this pillar of the Parisian performing arts scene. At the same time, it leaves plenty of room for the diversity of today’s cultural expressions. This dual vocation makes the Studio Raspail a singular place.

Practical information for your visit

Studio Raspail is located at 216, boulevard Raspail in the 14th arrondissement. The theater and bar open 1h30 before showtime. Spectators can enjoy a drink before the show.

With its 285 seats, the venue offers an intimate setting. This proximity between artists and audience enhances the emotion of the shows. The unspoilt setting transports visitors back to the Paris of the Roaring Twenties.

Montparnasse rediscovers a jewel of its cultural heritage

The return of the Studio Raspail marks a turning point for the neighborhood. The theater embodies almost a century of Parisian cultural history. Its reopening in 2026 will delight lovers of the performing arts.

The venue has stood the test of time without denying its identity. From avant-garde playwrights to experimental films, it has always championed creation. Today, it continues this mission with an eclectic program.

Parisians and visitors can once again step through its doors. The Studio Raspail offers them a journey back in time, in the heart of Montparnasse. This listed theater has regained its place in the capital’s cultural landscape.

• Montparnasse