Paris has more than its fair share of beautiful theaters. My favourites are usually those from the 1920s (with an exception made for La Pagode). The Palais des Glaces was constructed in 1924, replacing an earlier theatre on the same site.
The Palais des Glaces was named for its facade, originally covered with mirrors. I'm not sure when the mirrors were removed from the building's facade. I believe the small frames that cover much of the facade must have originally held these mirrors, and it must have been quite exciting to see light strike them and bounce off into the Rue Faubourg du Temple.
Nonetheless, I sort of love the way the theatre looks somewhat worn today, no longer young. Glamour has been replaced with a sort of cosiness, with the neon 'theatre' sign and yellow strips at the entrance shining warmly out at the street. The sculpted relief at the centre of the facade appears to feature a folded up elephant, which makes intriguingly little sense to me.
I haven't been inside the Palais des Glaces, but pictures I've seen of the interior suggest it's quite in keeping with the exterior and I imagine it would be a good venue for performances. Over the years, it's alternated between being a theatre and a concert venue.
Have you been inside the Palais des Glaces? Do you know what's up with the elephant?