Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal
Teatro Municipal - One of the most beautiful buildings in Rio
When making your way around Rio De Janeiro you are bound to come to the centre of the city and right there in the centre is where you will find the Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal). One of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Rio, the Municipal Theatre stands in all its splendour as a testament to the impeccable craftsmanship of the architects and builders of those times.
Built in the early 1900s, the theatre is the handiwork of Francisco de Oliveira Passos. The construction commenced in 1905 and was finished in 1909, with the theatre being inaugurated on the 14 July 1909. The time taken to build this master piece was only 4 years, a feat that required 280 workers who needed to work double shifts in order to complete the construction in time.
Day and night, workers hammered away, building, carrying and hoisting in order to meet the standards of the new era of the republican regime, an era in which Rio de Janeiro would take centre stage as being the most elegant and opulent capital in South America. Most of the architecture and town planning of that period was modelled after the architecture of Europe and the architecture of the Municipal Theatre was eclectic architecture.
The decision to build the theatre in this style was not a novel idea, but in fact part of a grand plan to revamp the city and to change its façade. By the time the Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal) was built there were already other beautiful buildings done in the same eclectic style dotting the newly created Parisian inspired boulevards.
The inside of the theatre building is just as impressive as the outside and this is no surprise when you come to know that the most famous and talented Brazilian sculptors and painters of all time including the Bernardelli brothers, Rodolfo Amoedo and Eliseu Visconti worked on the interior. The stained glass windows and mosaic tiles artisans were ordered in from Europe especially for the project.
The theatre initially held 1,739 people but has since been expanded to hold 2,369. The sheer number of people and space within the theatre make watching shows there something to be experienced.
If you have the opportunity, be sure to see a show or two at this amazing theatre. Take time in the intermission to appreciate the architecture and art showcased so magnificently. If you cannot see a show you can still enjoy one of 4 guided tours available on Saturdays for a nominal fee.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. Public tours are available for a nominal fee. Tickets for performances are also available from the ticket box office which is open daily from 10am-6pmMunicipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Address: Praça Floriano, S/N - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20031-050, Brazil
Phone: (21) 2332-9134
Official Website: Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal
Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful ballet experience. It was my first time and it was really fun and an amazing experience!
Would recommend everyone visiting Rio to go to this place, enjoy the beautiful building and also experience the Ballet!
Dhyey Mishra - a month ago
This is a beautiful theatre and well worth seeing when in Rio.
I bought tickets to the ballet La fille mal gardée the day of the show at the physical box office. The staff was so nice and helpful, and I really enjoyed the show.
Alexandra Da Dalt - 2 months ago
They have guided tours but it was in Portuguese so i couldnt follow it. But the tour guide was helpful enough to answer my questions during the breaks.
There is an interesting disparity between 1st floor and the rest of the building, worth checking out
Sabri Kürüm - a week ago
Wow what a place!
Was on a guided tour for 1 hour.
The architecture of this building is so beautiful and we'll maintained.
It cost r$20,00 and was all the money worth!
Niels Rasmussen - 4 months ago
Such a magnificent theater! The most beautiful one you can find in Rio. I went here to see Guilherme Arantes which was a really good show. The sound within the building is phenomenal!
Julien van der waal - 6 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - Green | Cinelândia | 2 Minutes |
How to get to Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal by Metro
Exit Cinelândia Station and you will see the Municipal Theatre straight ahead to the north.
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Photo Gallery
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Municipal Theatre at dusk cc licensed photo by Anizio Silva -
Spectacular ornate ceiling inside Teatro Municipal cc licensed photo by Alex Carvalho -
Opulent staircases and balconies inside the Municipal Theatre in Rio cc licensed photo by Alex Carvalho
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