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
Official Website: Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal
Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal Reviews
Rated out of 5
The Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro is absolutely stunning. From the grand exterior to the intricate interiors, every detail feels rich and elegant. The architecture, lighting, and stained glass ceilings create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. A must-visit in Rio!
Mariana Henriques - 3 months ago
Absolutely gorgeous building, inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. And even thought it's old the air conditioning was working perfectly, which in Rio is super important.
Eduardo Penna - 4 months ago
Sept.25: this was one of the many free places we visited in the Lapa area.
Great historic building in middle of the Lapa area, unfortunately only seen from the outside.
It has two big beautiful domes on top, which made it very photogenic.
There are many bars, restaurants & great impressive other buildings nearby.
Petra (Pitch) - 10 months ago
Amazing experience. So beautiful place, and so talented people. Will love to come back.
Baby Leti - 2 months ago
Good looking arquitecture, but inside is so old and creepy
Rita N - a month 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
