Two theatres with the same name
The earlier Teatro Colón stood near Plaza de Mayo and operated from 1857 to 1888. The present building is a separate theatre, at Cerrito 628 in central Buenos Aires. Its construction extended over almost two decades: the foundation stone was laid on 25 May 1890, and the auditorium opened on 25 May 1908 with Verdi’s Aida.
Three architects contributed in succession. Francesco Tamburini created the original project; after his death, Vittorio Meano continued and substantially modified it. Following Meano’s death in 1904, Jules Dormal completed the work and contributed its French-influenced decoration. Some parts of the building were still unfinished at the opening. The theatre’s official history explains the successive contributions and delays.
The auditorium and stage
The building combines European architectural influences, while its main auditorium has a horseshoe plan. The theatre’s current published description gives 2,478 seats and space for approximately 500 standing spectators. These describe the hall’s capacity, not the tickets available for every performance.
The stage measurements published by the theatre are 35.25 metres wide and 34.50 metres deep, with a height of 48 metres. These should not be confused with the size of the visible stage opening. The floor slopes by three centimetres per metre, and an electrically operated revolving platform measures 20.30 metres in diameter.
Internationally renowned acoustics
Teatro Colón is internationally renowned for the acoustics of its main auditorium. The hall’s proportions, materials and orchestra-pit design contribute to its sound. Acoustician Gustavo Basso’s account of the 2004–2010 restoration explains why preserving that acoustic character was central to the work.
Its reputation does not require a numerical world ranking. National Geographic’s 2012 travel selection includes the Colón among ten opera houses, but provides no scoring method establishing a definitive third place for acoustics, size or overall quality.
A place in Buenos Aires cultural life
The theatre is a setting for opera, ballet and classical music, with a history of Argentine and international artists. Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti and Julio Bocca are among the performers documented by Argentina’s heritage authorities. The building reopened in 2010 following restoration; this is distinct from its original 1908 inauguration.
We have visited Teatro Colón with our students many times. Exploring the theatre can bring its architecture and history into focus, while attending an opera, ballet or concert offers another way to experience its place in the city’s cultural life.
For information from the theatre itself, visit the official Teatro Colón website.