Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre), Sao Paulo (must see)
The Municipal Theatre (Theatro Municipal) holds great significance as a theater and cultural establishment in Sao Paulo. It was constructed in 1911 by Brazilian architect Ramos de Azevedo, along with Italian architects Claudio Rossi and Domiziano Rossi. Drawing inspiration from the Paris Opera building, its design blends elements of Neoclassical and Baroque styles.
The creation of this edifice was driven by the necessity to provide a theater that would cater to the aspirations of the city's residents. Following a devastating fire that rendered the previous theater, Teatro São Bento, unsuitable for artistic performances, the people expressed their demand for a venue that could rival the cultural experiences found in Europe. In response to their fervent pleas, a theater befitting such extraordinary performances was granted. The stage of this illustrious establishment has been graced by renowned artists including Anna Pavlova, Duke Ellington, Isadora Duncan, Vivien Leigh, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, and Rudolph Nureyev.
The Municipal Theatre is widely acclaimed for its association with the Week of Modern Art, an event that propelled Sao Paulo onto the global artistic landscape. Although already a significant cultural hub, Sao Paulo was considered relatively insignificant in terms of artistic influence. However, the Week of Modern Art served as a turning point, elevating Sao Paulo to a position of leadership and major influence within the modern art movement. Presently, the Municipal Theatre serves as the residence for the São Paulo Municipal Symphonic Orchestra, the Coral Lírico (Lyric Choir), and the City Ballet of São Paulo.
Why You Should Visit:
A true gem in the heart of the city – great spot for taking beautiful pictures.
Besides its sumptuousness, outside and especially inside, it gives insight into quite a few of Brazil's moments 100 years ago.
The ambiance is sophisticated, there is a great bar with drinks, soups and treats, and the selection of plays, concerts and operas is always great.
Tip:
Make sure you're there at 11 AM on weekdays for the free, guided, one-hour tour.
If you're leaving a performance late at night use caution as you would in any large urban setting.
The creation of this edifice was driven by the necessity to provide a theater that would cater to the aspirations of the city's residents. Following a devastating fire that rendered the previous theater, Teatro São Bento, unsuitable for artistic performances, the people expressed their demand for a venue that could rival the cultural experiences found in Europe. In response to their fervent pleas, a theater befitting such extraordinary performances was granted. The stage of this illustrious establishment has been graced by renowned artists including Anna Pavlova, Duke Ellington, Isadora Duncan, Vivien Leigh, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, and Rudolph Nureyev.
The Municipal Theatre is widely acclaimed for its association with the Week of Modern Art, an event that propelled Sao Paulo onto the global artistic landscape. Although already a significant cultural hub, Sao Paulo was considered relatively insignificant in terms of artistic influence. However, the Week of Modern Art served as a turning point, elevating Sao Paulo to a position of leadership and major influence within the modern art movement. Presently, the Municipal Theatre serves as the residence for the São Paulo Municipal Symphonic Orchestra, the Coral Lírico (Lyric Choir), and the City Ballet of São Paulo.
Why You Should Visit:
A true gem in the heart of the city – great spot for taking beautiful pictures.
Besides its sumptuousness, outside and especially inside, it gives insight into quite a few of Brazil's moments 100 years ago.
The ambiance is sophisticated, there is a great bar with drinks, soups and treats, and the selection of plays, concerts and operas is always great.
Tip:
Make sure you're there at 11 AM on weekdays for the free, guided, one-hour tour.
If you're leaving a performance late at night use caution as you would in any large urban setting.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sao Paulo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre) on Map
Sight Name: Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre)
Sight Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil (See walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil (See walking tours in Sao Paulo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Up until the late 19th century, the area was known as Campo da Forca (Field of the Gallows) as the one reserved for the execution of slaves and convicts – for whom the only... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Up until the late 19th century, the area was known as Campo da Forca (Field of the Gallows) as the one reserved for the execution of slaves and convicts – for whom the only... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles