Teatro Colón (Colón Theatre), Buenos Aires (must see)

The Colón Theater is regarded as one of the finest opera houses in the world. Its construction took several years and involved multiple architects, but the result was an architectural masterpiece that continues to be ranked among the top three opera houses globally for acoustics and architectural quality. The design blends Italian Neoclassical, French Beaux-Arts, and German Renaissance influences, due to the succession of architects involved.

The flourishing opera scene in 19th-century Buenos Aires, driven by touring European companies, led to the construction of the first Colón Theater in 1857. It operated successfully for 30 years, but the growing popularity of opera soon made it clear that a larger and more modern venue was needed. After nearly 20 years of construction, the current theater opened in 1908.

The present structure was built using carefully selected materials from across Europe. It features Italian marble, French stained glass, Venetian mosaics, and Slavonic woodwork, reflecting a rich mixture of European craftsmanship. The main hall, shaped like a horseshoe, accommodates more than 2,500 seated spectators, with four levels of galleries and standing room for an additional 1,000. The orchestra pit can host up to 120 musicians. The hall’s acoustics are famously precise—so much so that the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti once remarked that it is one of the most challenging auditoriums in the world, where “even the slightest mistake can be heard”. Above the auditorium, the dome contains a hidden choir gallery, creating the effect of voices descending from the heavens.

An interesting feature of the theater is its historic stage machinery, which was some of the most advanced in the world at the time of its construction. This includes hidden trapdoors and a manual counterweight system used for quick scene changes during performances.

Tip:
Guided tours are offered daily in several languages; check at the box office for current schedules or availability. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the backstage area, where you can see the production rooms and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the theater prepares for its world-class performances.