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Great Theatre of Havana
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Landmark
The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso is one of the world's most significant opera houses and an outstanding example of Neo-Baroque architecture in Cuba. The current building opened in 1914 on the site of the old Tacón Theater and originally served as the headquarters of the Galician Center of Havana. Architect Paul Belau created a magnificent facade adorned with numerous sculptures by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, representing allegories of charity, education, music, and drama. The theater is home to the National Ballet of Cuba and the National Opera. The main auditorium, the García Lorca Hall, is renowned for its excellent acoustics and luxurious interior featuring crystal chandeliers and velvet seating. In 2015, the theater was renamed in honor of the legendary prima ballerina Alicia Alonso. Located next to the Capitolio, it forms the cultural heart of Old Havana.
- Location: Cuba
- Top sights: Parque Central, Havana · Floridita
- 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
Visiting
The Gran Teatro de La Habana is a magnificent theater in Havana that is open for performances and guided tours. Visitors can enter the building as part of a guided tour or by attending a show.
Typical hours
Guided tours are usually offered in the mornings, while evenings are reserved for performances. Exact times vary greatly; checking the schedule is essential.
Photography
Photography in the foyer and public areas is usually allowed, but without flash. During performances, photography is generally not permitted to avoid disturbing the artists.
Time needed
A guided tour of the theater lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. If you attend a performance, allow extra time for intermission and arrival.
Combine with
The theater is situated right next to Parque Central and very close to El Capitolio. After the visit, a stroll down Old Town's Obispo Street is recommended.
Getting there
The Gran Teatro is located in the heart of Havana on Plaza del Obispo and is within walking distance from many hotels. Taxis and buses stop directly in front of the building.
Insider tip
Try to attend a performance to experience the building in its full glory. Book tickets early, as popular shows often sell out.
Geography
Facts
- The theater was officially inaugurated on April 22, 1914.
- The García Lorca Hall has a seating capacity of 1,500.
- The facade features four sculpture groups by Giuseppe Moretti.
- It has been the home of the National Ballet of Cuba since 1960.
- The building stands on the site of the Tacón Theater, built in 1838.
- The architecture is modeled after the European Baroque style.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Great Theatre of Havana (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at the Gran Teatro?
Visitors can see the grand architecture and the main hall of the National Ballet.
Are there guided tours in English?
Yes, multilingual guided tours of the building are offered regularly.
What is the name of the main hall?
The main hall is named after the famous ballerina Alicia Alonso.
Where is the theater located?
It is located in the heart of Old Havana, right next to the Capitol at Parque Central.
Is photography allowed during a performance?
Photography is usually forbidden during performances, but allowed during tours.
Great Theatre of Havana: where is it located?
Great Theatre of Havana is located in Cuba.
Great Theatre of Havana: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parque Central, Havana, Floridita.
Great Theatre of Havana: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Great Theatre of Havana: why is it worth visiting?
The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso is one of the world's most significant opera houses and an outstanding example of Neo-Baroque architecture in Cuba.
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History & landmarks
The Malecón
Havana's famous seaside promenade, a meeting place for all generations.
Central Park
A bustling park in the heart of the city, surrounded by significant buildings.
Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso
The most renowned opera and ballet building in Cuba.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
A historic hotel built in the 1930s that is a legend.
Paseo del Prado
A famous tree-lined promenade in the center of Havana.
Church of La Merced
One of the most magnificent churches in Havana with a rich interior.
Cathedral Square
An important historic square in the old town of Havana.
Palace of the Captains General
Former seat of Spanish governors in Havana, now the city museum.
Nature
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Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Fortaleza de la Cabaña
Large 18th-century fortress east of the harbor entrance.
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.