In 1736, the Capitouls decided to build a "room to play shows in" within the Maison commune. It was inaugurated in 1737, and refurbished several times between 1817 and 2004. Around 1900 it was a bel canto temple, to rival the Liceo of Barcelona and the Scala of Milan. The Théâtre du Capitole remains one of the best-respected operas in France and one of the great international stages for the lyrical art. Under the direction of Nicolas Joël, it aims to be the site of eclectic creation: operas, operettes, ballets, recitals, etc.