Theatro Municipal (São Paulo)

The Theatro Municipal is a landmark theatre in São Paulo, Brazil, known for its architecture and historical importance. It was the venue for the 1922 Week of Modern Art, which revolutionized the arts in Brazil. The building now houses the São Paulo Municipal Symphonic Orchestra, the Coral Lírico, and the City Ballet of São Paulo.

Don't miss

• Architecture inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, with many materials imported from Europe
• The venue for the 1922 Week of Modern Art, which launched Brazilian Modernismo
• Home to the São Paulo Municipal Symphonic Orchestra, Coral Lírico, and City Ballet
• Hosted performances by artists like Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, and Anna Pavlova
• The external façade, restored in the 1980s using sandstone from the original mine

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Theatro Municipal (São Paulo)

Cheapest way inFree Walking Tour, São Paulo History in the City Center5★ · 43 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$2 per personSee dates →Best full daySão Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights – (Shared Group)4.9★ · 1,850 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$79 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleWalking Tour São Paulo Center: Historical Process Of The Largest City in Brazil5★ · 24 travelers3-4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$113 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The theatre is a working venue for opera, ballet, and orchestral performances.
• It is considered one of the most celebrated cultural venues in South America.

A bit of history

The theatre was built to meet the demands of São Paulo's coffee-growing bourgeoisie for a venue suitable for large opera productions. Construction began in 1903 on Morro do Chá, with materials imported from Europe and architecture inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. It opened on 12 September 1911 with a performance of Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas. In 1922, it hosted the Week of Modern Art, a seven-day event that introduced Brazilian Modernismo. The building underwent refurbishments in the 1960s and 1980s, with the latter restoring the original works of engineer Ramos de Azevedo.