Landmark
Theatro Municipal (Rio de Janeiro)
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The Theatro Municipal is an opera house in the Centro district of Rio de Janeiro, built in the early 20th century. Its eclectic design was inspired by the Paris Opéra of Charles Garnier. The building overlooks Cinelândia square, near the National Library and the National Fine Arts Museum.
Don't miss
- Eclectic facade inspired by the Paris Opéra, with names of classic European and Brazilian artists inscribed on the outside walls.
- Interior sculptures by Henrique Bernardelli and paintings by Rodolfo Amoedo and Eliseu Visconti.
- Majestic drop curtain, frieze on the proscenium, and nave ceiling painted by Eliseu Visconti.
- Assyrian-themed decor in the basement restaurant Assírius.
- Stained glass and mosaic tiles created by European artisans.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Theatro Municipal (Rio de Janeiro)
You can see Theatro Municipal (Rio de Janeiro) on your own. A tour is worth it for the story behind it, for transport, or for combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inCapoeira Classes for Beginners in Rio de Janeiro5★ · 29 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →
Best full dayRio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included4.9★ · 2,894 travelers6-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleCity Tour - Rio de Janeiro5★ · 14 travelers6-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$125 per personSee dates →Getting there
Know before you go
- Today, the theater mostly presents ballet and classical music productions.
- Located in the Centro district, overlooking Cinelândia square, near the National Library and National Fine Arts Museum.
A bit of history
After the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, playwright Artur Azevedo campaigned for a new theater, but construction didn't begin until 1905. It was inaugurated on July 14, 1909, by President Nilo Peçanha, with a capacity of 1,739. The theater was expanded in 1934 to 2,205 seats and later to 2,361. It closed for restoration from October 1975 to March 1978. An annex was built in 1996 to provide rehearsal space.
Common questions
When was the Theatro Municipal built?
Construction began in 1905 and the theater was inaugurated on July 14, 1909.
What architectural style is the theater?
It is designed in an eclectic style inspired by the Paris Opéra of Charles Garnier.
Who performed at the theater in its early years?
Early performers included Arturo Toscanini, Sarah Bernhardt, Bidu Sayão, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Igor Stravinsky.
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