Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash (@danielsessler)
Gran Teatro de La Habana
La Habana
Gran Teatro de La Habana, located in Havana, Cuba, is a magnificent Baroque Revival theater originally built in 1914 by Belgian architect Paul Belau and Purdy and Henderson Engineers. It stands on the historic site of the former Teatro Tacón, which was a renowned 19th-century venue hosting artists like Enrico Caruso and Sarah Bernhardt. The theater was funded by Galician immigrants as a community-social center and features elaborate sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti symbolizing benevolence, education, music, and theater. The principal venue inside is the García Lorca Auditorium, seating 1,500, and serves as the home of the Cuban National Ballet and other dance companies. Gran Teatro de La Habana hosts the prestigious International Ballet Festival of Havana every two years since 1960. The building includes theaters, a concert hall, conference rooms, a video screening room, an art gallery, a choral center, and rehearsal halls, making it a cultural hub. A notable bronze sculpture of Alicia Alonso as Giselle, created by José Villa Soberón, adorns the lobby, celebrating the legendary dancer and the romantic ballet that made her famous. This theater remains a vital center for performing arts, blending historic architecture with vibrant cultural life.
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Tip: Visit during the International Ballet Festival of Havana, held biennially, for a unique cultural experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended due to high demand. Check the official Cuban National Ballet website for updated schedules and possible discounts for students and seniors.
Interesting facts
- •The theater was financed by Galician immigrants as a social and cultural center.
- •Sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti representing charity, education, music, and theater decorate the building.
- •A bronze sculpture of Alicia Alonso as Giselle was unveiled in 2018 in the lobby.
- •The García Lorca Auditorium seats 1,500 people and is the main performance hall.
- •It hosts the International Ballet Festival of Havana every two years since 1960.
History
The Gran Teatro de La Habana was constructed in 1914 on the site of the former Teatro Tacón, which had been established in 1838 and was a major cultural venue in Havana.
The original Teatro Tacón hosted prominent European artists during the 19th century.
In the early 20th century, the building was expanded and remodeled into the current Baroque Revival style structure known as the Centro Gallego, funded by Galician immigrants.
Over the decades, the theater has been a focal point for ballet and performing arts, notably hosting the International Ballet Festival of Havana since 1960.
Place Guide
García Lorca Auditorium1914
The main auditorium with 1,500 seats, hosting the Cuban National Ballet and other major dance and musical performances. It is the heart of the theater's cultural life.
Sculptures by Giuseppe MorettiEarly 20th century
A group of four white marble sculptures representing charity, education, music, and theater, part of a larger set of 97 sculptures adorning the theater.
Bronze Sculpture 'Giselle'2018
A bronze sculpture of Alicia Alonso as Giselle, created by Cuban sculptor José Villa Soberón and unveiled in 2018, located in the lobby.
Contact
Phone: (07) 8613077
