Municipal Theatre | Teatro Municipal

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.

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