Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Teatro Colón is one of the world’s most legendary opera houses. Since its grand opening in 1908, this iconic theater has hosted many of the greatest singers, dancers, musicians and conductors of all time on its prestigious stage. A visit to the Teatro Colón allows you to experience the rich history, stunning architecture, and phenomenal acoustics that have made it a pre-eminent cultural institution for over a century. From guided tours to live performances, the Teatro Colón offers visitors a chance to be dazzled by one of the finest opera houses ever constructed.
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The Storied History of the Teatro Colón
The Teatro Colón’s origins date back to the late 19th century. Construction on the current building began in the 1890s on the site of Argentina’s first railway station. Over the years, three different architects – Francisco Tamburini, Víctor Meano, and Jules Dormal – worked on designing the opulent opera house.
When it finally opened on May 25, 1908, with a performance of Verdi’s Aida, the Teatro Colón immediately took its place as one of the world’s great opera venues. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium follows the strict guidelines of classic Italian and French theater design. With a capacity of 2,478 seats, plus room for 500 standing guests, the theater’s perfect acoustics and ornate details like the 318 square meter dome ceiling have dazzled audiences for over a century.
In 1966, the Argentine artist Raúl Soldi was commissioned to repaint the dome’s interior after its original artwork deteriorated. Other renovations in 1988 modernized the stage machinery to allow for smoother set changes. Despite these updates, the Teatro Colón has carefully preserved the building’s stunning original architecture and world-class acoustics that have inspired countless legendary performances.
Some of the most famous names in opera, dance, classical music and conducting have graced the Colón’s stage over the decades. From Enrico Caruso to Luciano Pavarotti, Anna Pavlova to Mikhail Baryshnikov, the theater has hosted a hugely impressive array of premier talent since its inauguration. It was designated a National Historic Monument in 1991 in recognition of its cultural significance to Argentina and the world.
Guided Tours of the Teatro Colón
One of the best ways for visitors to experience the grandeur of the Teatro Colón is by taking a guided tour. These tours provide behind-the-scenes access to some of the theater’s most impressive spaces, while sharing fascinating historical details about the iconic venue.
Guided tours run daily, with tours departing every 15 minutes from 10am to 4:45pm. The tours are available in multiple languages to accommodate international visitors. A standard tour route includes the Foyer, Gallery of Busts, Golden Room, and the stunning Main Hall itself.
As you explore the opulent Foyer and Golden Room, your guide will point out architectural marvels like the staircases, sculptures, and stained glass windows. In the Gallery of Busts, you’ll see the sculpted portraits commemorating renowned artists who have performed at the Colón over the decades.
But the undeniable highlight is getting to step inside the breathtaking Main Hall. With a 29-meter diameter and 28 meters of height, the horseshoe-shaped auditorium showcases the theater’s brilliant design and famous acoustics. Your guide will reveal insights about the construction and visual details that have made this one of the great opera houses of the world.
The guided tour route may occasionally need to be modified based on rehearsals, performances, or restoration work. But it’s still the best way to go behind the velvet curtains and unveil the mysteries of this legendary theater. Tours can be purchased at the Teatro Colón box office or online through their website.
