Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal

Teatro Municipal - One of the most beautiful buildings in Rio

View of Teatro Municipal from above
View of Teatro Municipal from above cc licensed photo by Rodrigo Soldon

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-6pm

Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Praça Floriano, S/N - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20031-050, Brazil

Phone: (21) 2332-9005

Official Website: Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal

Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Truly spectacular historical theater in rio de janeiro that is still preserved and has events. If you have time to visit here and see a concert, definitely consider it. The surrounding area is quite abandoned but that's very much the city of rio. 10/10 5/5
Henry Montalto - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The architecture of this place is amazing. I wish I could see the inside
Luis Caldera - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Nice Theater from early 1900s. The most famous in Brazil. I recommend the guided tour with an overview of inside area. I did on Saturday at 11a.m and it costs 20R$.
Leonardo Olbrick Rodrigues Menossi - 11 months ago

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3 Star Rating One of the few magnificent architects in town, took inspiration from the Opera House “Palau’s Garnier”. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem well kept. Ground floor main hall was in a Persian theme which was unusual.
Kyle Ke - a year ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful theatre with beautiful interior. Come at least 15-20 mins before a performance to take some time for enjoying the interior.
Shilpa Singh - 9 months ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - GreenCinelândia2 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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