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
Official Website: Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal
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-6pmOpen Now
Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.
- 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: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Category: Performing Arts Opera & Ballet
Address:
Praça Marechal Floriano
Rio de Janeiro - RJ 20031-050
Brazil
Phone: +55 21 2332-9191
Reviews
Saree C. Jul-21-2015
I've been in awe with this building ever since I was 4 years old. Each time I go to Rio, I take a picture here with my mom. And every time, tickets are... Read More
Darya S. Mar-18-2014
Sadly, the theater wasn't open when my friend and I dropped by. We got a hold of one of their performance schedules and saw that they had several... Read More
La S. Aug-12-2017
The architecture is amazing! Unfortunately, we came on a Monday and could not gain access. Despite the museum being open on Mondays, they are not open to... Read More
Accommodations near Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal:
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 Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp