Address 200 South Main Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582

Year Built ca. 1830-1840

Building History

Located on Main Street, it was built by David Sandoz ca. 1840s. The upper floor originally housed space for plays, dances, traveling shows and other entertainment. The Bienvenu Brothers kept a dry-goods store here throughout the twentieth century and donated the building to the city in 2001. Merchandise was on sale on the first floor, and on the second, a newly renovated performance space.

The arts thrived in Le Petit Paris as the town came to be known. The Duchamp Opera House was built in the 1830s. Until the fin de siecle, it was the town’s centerpiece, visited by traveling dance troupes, opera from New Orleans and local theatre productions. In the early 20th C, the Bienvenu family acquired the building and established Bienvenu Brothers, Leaders of Fashion. This department store served the community for many years. In 1998, the descendents of the Bienvenu family gifted the structure to the City of St. Martinville prompting an ambitious renaissance for this historic building and the arts.

The Duchamp Opera House showcases regional arts, antiques, gifts, and provides a venue for and supports the performing arts. The Opera House was built in the 1840s. At street level it was home to a feed and tack store and on the second floor was a community theatre, hosted Mardi Gras balls and traveling operas from New Orleans (for half a century). From 1928-1994, owned by the Bienvenu family, it was the house of an upscale department store selling name brand clothing, hats, and hand tailored suits made in New Orleans, etc. They served the community for about 80 years. In 1998, The Bienvenue family donated the structure to the city to be used as a historic site and an anchor for cultural and economic activities. The downstairs is being used by the local artist of our community while the upstairs is used by local theatre groups, and public and private events. The building was restored starting in 1998 and completed in late 2000 costing 800,000 of grand money and donations. The Upstairs Opera House seats 120.

The basic form of this building dates from ca. 1830-1840 when it was built by David Sandoz. The attic construction reveals a modified Norman truss roof. The brick front with parapet was added ca. 1915 when upper galleries which existed on the front and side were removed and present shopfront built. The upper floor housed the Duchamp Opera House where local plays, dances, traveling shows and other entertainment was held.

Building Description

Basic form dates from c.1830. Two-story building with Norman truss roof and opera house on second floor. Originally had galleries on front and side. Greek Revival details remain on interior. Brick front with parapet added c.1915, galleries removed, and present shop front built.

Open to Public? Yes

Other Info Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Building manager: Hillery Peltier. Tel: (337) 394-6604. Home of the Evangeline Players, see website for schedule www.evangelineplayers.com, Contact: 337-394-6604

Sources:

• “The Duchamp Opera House Histoire” flyer by The Duchamp Opera House & Mercantile
• “Duchamp Opera House” (from city records)
• “Evangeline Oak Park” (fact sheet from city of St. Martinville)