 The site for the building was so constricted, he placed the entrance foyer under the auditorium.His design was also innovative for the use of an iron frame (under the roof, the floors and boxes), mainly for the purpose of fireproofing.Originally called the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, it was first occupied by the Théâtre des Variétés-Amusantes, who gave the inaugural performance on 15 May 1790.