The building of the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, considered one of the most important and prestigious theaters in the world, bears the signature of two Italian architects. And this is his story.
Containers of art, culture, and history, the theaters of the world have fascinated us since time immemorial, becoming the reason for the destinations we choose during the trips we organize. Some of these are so extraordinary that their fame precedes the name. And they are not only for the grandiose theatrical seasons but also for the wonderful universe that can be explored once you walk through their doors.
And this is what happens when you enter the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, one of the largest opera houses in the world, as well as the most important and famous in the entire South American continent.
The external architecture, as well as the internal one, are treated in detail, a real treasure chest as well as an icon of the theatrical and lyrical world. Thanks to its acoustics, in fact, it has earned a place of honor among the five best theaters in the world for the staging of operas.
Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires: history
The monumental theater of Buenos Aires is located on the famous 9 de Julio Avenue, one of the widest streets in the country and in the whole world. Its history is as troubled as it is fascinating and is inextricably linked with Italy.
The building, which stretches over 8,000 square meters, once stood near the Plaza de Mayo where the Argentine Central Bank is now based. In 1888 the construction of a new Colón Theater was decided and the works, which began the following year, were entrusted to the Italian architect Francesco Tamburini and his pupil Vittorio Meano.
With the death of the two, the works were entrusted to the Belgian architect Julio Dormal, a disciple of Meano. His task was to complete the visionary project with the addition of elegant furnishings and precious decorations. On May 25, 1908, with Aida, the new Teatro Colón was inaugurated.
On the occasion of the theater’s hundredth anniversary, restoration work on the building was started with the aim of restoring the theater to its former glory after it was in a state of deterioration due to poor funding and the passage of time. Since May 24, 2020, one of the largest theaters in the world has been given back to the population.
Tour inside the theater
The Colón Theater is a real must-see for anyone visiting the city of Buenos Aires. In addition to attending some of the most prestigious shows in the world, it is possible to organize a visit to enter the universe of an extraordinary building, an immense work of art located in the heart of a large city.
The central hall of the theater has a maximum capacity of 2,478 spectators, in addition to another 500 standing. With an Italian flair, combined with French Baroque, this eclectic setting is a real gem.
Since its inauguration, the Colón Theater has hosted illustrious and famous artists such as Richard Strauss and Luciano Pavarotti, just to list a few, and has always retained a great prestige.
A few kilometers from the theater, and more precisely in the lively and colorful La Boca district, is Fabbrica Colón, a structure that allows you to immerse yourself in the varied and multifaceted universe of the Teatro Colón. In this space of over 7000 square meters, in fact, there are the sets and props of past seasons to allow citizens and all visitors to discover the scenes of one of the most beautiful theaters in the world.
