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Teatro Colón

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Interior of the Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sinking into a red velvet seat for a performance at Teatro Colón (teatrocolon.org.ar) is a magical experience. This is one of the world's greatest opera houses, and you can discover it for yourself by attending a performance here or taking a behind-the-scenes tour.

Architecture & Architects

This vast theater can seat 2500 spectators with standing room for another 500. Italian Francesco Tamburini was the main architect, but after his death in 1891 his partner Vittorio Meano (who designed the Palacio del Congreso) was put in charge.

Aerial view of Teatro Colón at sunset in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Aerial view of Teatro Colón at sunset in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

After Meano was murdered (possibly due to a love triangle), Belgian Jules Dormal took over and added some French elements to the theater. The stunning main hall is renowned for its acoustics, thanks to its architectural proportions and the quality of its materials, which enhance its exceptional sound quality.

Interior view of Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Interior view of Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina. RudiErnst/Shutterstock

Take the Tour

To learn more about the theater's construction and architecture, join one of the regular daily tours. Tours in Spanish depart every 15 minutes; tours in Portuguese and English are only available at three specific times per day. There's time to take photos in the foyer, the Galería de los Bustos, the Salón Dorado and the main hall.

Theater fans will also enjoy a visit to Colón Fábrica, a warehouse in La Boca, where past production scenery and costumes are on display.

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