Today, the TNP has a company of ten resident actors and the building is currently being completely renovated.

The Théâtre National Populaire (TNP) was founded in 1920 in Paris at the Palais de Chaillot by Firmin Gémier.

Under his leadership the theater offered performances shown at prices and times to suit the general public.

In 1972 the French Minister of Cultural Affairs (Jacques Duhamel) decided to move the TNP to Villeurbanne, near Lyon.

In 1986, Georges Lavaudant replaced Patrice Chéreau and shared the leadership with Roger Planchon until 1996.