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Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso (Cuba)

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The Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso is a masterpiece of neo-baroque architecture and stands as one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The current structure was built between 1907 and 1914 on the site of the former Teatro Tacón and was officially opened in 1915. Designed by Belgian architect Paul Belau, the building's facade is adorned with elaborate stone sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti, symbolizing virtues such as education, music, theatre, and charity. Its magnificent main auditorium, the García Lorca Hall, seats approximately 1,500 people and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and ornate interior design. Since 1960, the theatre has been the permanent home of the National Ballet of Cuba, hosting world-class performances and international festivals. In 2015, the institution was officially renamed in honor of the legendary prima ballerina Alicia Alonso for her lifelong dedication to the arts. Located in Old Havana adjacent to the Capitol building, it continues to be a vital center for performing arts and a symbol of Cuban cultural identity.

Location: Cuba
Top sights: Old Havana · Havana Plan Piloto · Havana
Nearby: Batabanó (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	24	25	27	28	29	29	29	28	27	25	24
Rain mm	30	29	23	33	64	108	83	108	102	87	45	30

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Visitors can admire the theater's striking neo-baroque exterior at any time, while the opulent interior is accessible during guided tours or scheduled performances.

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Typical hours

Guided tours are typically offered during morning and early afternoon hours on weekdays, though exact times depend on the ongoing rehearsal and performance schedule.

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Photography

Photography of the magnificent facade from the adjacent park is highly recommended, but taking pictures inside the main auditorium during performances is strictly prohibited.

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Time needed

Plan for about thirty to forty-five minutes to fully appreciate the exterior architecture, or allocate up to two hours if you are attending a guided tour or a live ballet event.

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Combine with

Combine this architectural gem with a leisurely stroll through the nearby Parque Central and a visit to the iconic Capitolio building, which is located just a short walk away.

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Getting there

The theater is centrally located in the heart of Havana, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the historic center or by taking a classic vintage taxi.

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Insider tip

Try to visit the area in the late afternoon when the golden hour light beautifully illuminates the intricate statues and balconies of the building's facade.

Geography

Coordinates

23.13600, -82.35900

Facts

The theatre was officially inaugurated on April 15, 1915.
The main auditorium is named after the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca.
The facade features four marble sculpture groups by artist Giuseppe Moretti.
It has served as the permanent headquarters for the National Ballet of Cuba since 1960.
The building was originally funded by the Galician immigrant community in Havana.
The name was changed to honor Alicia Alonso by official decree in 2015.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Great Theatre of Havana<1 km · NExplore →

Havana Industrial Complex2 km · SExplore →

Santiago de las Vegas3 km · WExplore →

Almendares River5 km · SExplore →

Hemingway House7 km · NExplore →

Fortress of Cojímar9 km · NExplore →

Havana Steel Plant10 km · SExplore →

Batabanó11 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso (3)

Old Havana📍 landmark

Historic center of Havana with fortifications, squares, and colonial buildings from the 16th century.

Havana Plan Piloto📍 landmark

Urban planning project for Havana from the 1950s, integrating modern and historic elements.

Havana📍 landmark

Capital city of Cuba on the northern coast, featuring a port, old town, and neoclassical architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Gran Teatro de La Habana?

A magnificent neo-baroque opera house and the seat of the Cuban National Ballet.

In honor of which artist was it renamed?

Today it also bears the name of the legendary prima ballerina Alicia Alonso.

Can visitors tour the theater without a show ticket?

Yes, guided tours are offered during the day where you can admire the architecture and the staircases.

Where exactly in Havana is the building located?

Right by Parque Central, immediately next to the Capitol (El Capitolio).

Is there a dress code for visiting?

Casual wear is fine for tours; for performances, formal attire is expected (long pants, no shorts).

Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso: where is it located?

Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso is located in Cuba.

Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso: what is there to see?

Highlights include Old Havana, Havana Plan Piloto, Havana.

Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso: why is it worth visiting?

The Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso is a masterpiece of neo-baroque architecture and stands as one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

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