Maison Jacques Copeau

Mission & Vision

The Maison Jacques Copeau is dedicated to preserving and sharing a vibrant cultural heritage in the heart of Burgundy’s renowned wine region. At the core of its mission lies the celebration of theatrical creation and education.

Nestled among the three hills of Pernand-Vergelesses, a picturesque winemaking village in the Climats of Burgundy, this 18th-century manor has been a cornerstone of theatrical history. Purchased in 1925 by Jacques Copeau, a luminary of French theater, the Maison became the birthplace of an artistic movement that reshaped theater in France and profoundly influenced the dramatic arts in Europe and the United States. Designated as a “Maison des Illustres” and listed as a historical monument, the Maison Jacques Copeau is now managed by an association devoted to carrying forward Copeau’s extraordinary legacy.

While rich in history, the Maison Jacques Copeau faces urgent structural and functional challenges due to the deterioration of its historic buildings. A major rehabilitation project, slated for 2025, will ensure the Maison’s future as a cultural hub. This effort will:

• Restore the Maison’s historic and cultural integrity.
• Expand access for visitors with disabilities.
• Enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability by integrating modern materials and systems.

Actions Led

The Maison Jacques Copeau seeks to:

• Preserve and Share History: Safeguard the tangible and intangible legacy of Jacques Copeau and his troupe, the Copiaus, who played a pivotal role in the evolution of theater.
• Foster Creation: Serve as a sanctuary for artistic innovation, where new theatrical works and careers are nurtured in an environment of complete creative freedom.
• Promote Education: Act as a resource hub and training center, hosting programs for students, theater professionals, and broader audiences. Maison Jacques Copeau also organizes cultural and educational projects in schools and healthcare facilities.
• Artistic Residencies: Each year, Maison Jacques Copeau welcomes 30–40 residencies for artists, authors, and theater companies, with a special focus on supporting emerging talent.
• Professional Training and Exchange: The Maison organizes 10 training sessions annually and hosts 3–4 professional gatherings. The Jacques Copeau Festival draws 150–200 students, artists, and researchers for workshops and performances.
• Cultural Preservation: Over 1,000 visitors explore the Maison annually through tours, group visits, and events linked to its heritage.

Projects That U.S. Donors Can Support

The grant-funded restoration of Maison Jacques Copeau is an ambitious endeavor with far-reaching impact. US donors can play a vital role in this transformation by supporting:

• Cultural Preservation: Save a major cultural heritage and create the conditions for a unique experience for its visitors.
• Artistic Creation: Welcome and offer artists and students in residence a working tool conducive to creation and transmission: rehearsals, training, meetings.
• Accessibility: Make the site accessible to people with disabilities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Rethink the site to give it the best energy efficiency and significantly improve its environmental footprint.

By contributing to the restoration and ongoing activities of the Maison Jacques Copeau, donors can honor a legacy that transcends borders, celebrating a shared passion for the arts and cultural exchange.