[2] The centre is on the site of the former Théâtre de la Gaîté, incorporating the facade, entrance and foyer of the original theatre.

Following Haussmann's modernization of Paris and the destruction of the theatres on the boulevard du Temple, the last of a succession of playhouses called the Théâtre de la Gaîté was built in the rue Papin.

[4] The building was designed by the architects Jacques-Ignace Hittorff and Alphonse Cusin, with an 1800-seat auditorium decorated by Félix Jobbé-Duval.

During the following years it was largely destroyed and transformed into an amusement park, Planète magique [fr], by Jean Chalopin.

Small movable and recombinable dodecahedral units, called "éclaireuses", are available for use as, for example, dressing rooms, offices, technical annexes, installation spaces, or even parts of stage sets.

[11] The Large Hall (Grande Salle) is above the main floor at the back of the building, has a capacity of about 750 standing places or 308 when seated.

The exterior is covered with mirrored panels, rendering it instantly recognisable and capable of complementing installed artwork.

[10][11] The Small Hall (Petite Salle), located on the lowest level at the back of the building, can accommodate 70 seated and 150 standing places and can be used in conjunction with the exhibition areas or as a separate audio/visual venue.

[10][11] The Auditorium is more traditional with 130 fixed seats, a projector and control room, and a 5-metre screen at the bottom front of the hall.