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Tomás Terry Theatre

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Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)

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The Tomás Terry Theatre in Cienfuegos is one of Cuba's most magnificent and best-preserved theaters, standing as a testament to late 19th-century architectural elegance. Built between 1887 and 1889, it was funded by the estate of the Venezuelan-born sugar magnate Tomás Terry, following his desire to provide the city with a world-class cultural venue. The facade features three distinctive mosaics from the Salviati workshop in Venice, representing the muses of comedy, tragedy, and music. The interior follows a traditional horseshoe layout with 950 seats, and its ceiling is adorned with an impressive fresco by Camilo Salaya depicting the muses and flora. Since its inauguration on February 12, 1890, the theater has hosted legendary performers such as Enrico Caruso, Anna Pavlova, and Sarah Bernhardt. The extensive use of precious Cuban hardwoods like mahogany and cedar, combined with gold-leaf detailing, reflects the immense wealth generated by the regional sugar industry. It was designated a National Monument of Cuba in 1978.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232425262728282828272424
Rain mm1420253912010771103107922715

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Tomás Terry Theatre is a historic theater open for performances and guided tours. Visitors usually can enter the lavish interior only as part of a guided tour or during events.
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Typical hours
Tour times vary; typically guided tours are offered multiple times daily. Evening performances run according to schedule; advance booking is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed during guided tours without flash, but often prohibited during performances. The foyer provides the best photo opportunities.
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Time needed
A guided tour typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. Those attending a performance should budget 2 to 3 hours including intermission.
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Combine with
Combine the theatre visit with a stroll to nearby José Martí Park. The Casa de Cultura and the cathedral are also just minutes away.
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Getting there
The theatre is in central Cienfuegos, right next to José Martí Park. It's easily reachable on foot; taxis and buses stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Book a morning guided tour to experience the empty auditorium and acoustics. Ask about the balcony - the view from above is spectacular.

Geography

Coordinates
21.93600, -79.45100

Facts

  • Constructed between 1887 and 1889 using a legacy from Tomás Terry.
  • The theatre officially opened its doors on February 12, 1890.
  • It features a horseshoe-shaped auditorium with 950 seats.
  • The facade mosaics represent the muses of music, comedy, and tragedy.
  • Legendary tenor Enrico Caruso performed here in the early 1900s.
  • It was designated a National Monument of Cuba in 1978.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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CabaiguánCabaiguán5 km · SEExplore →
Zaza ReservoirZaza Reservoir8 km · NExplore →
TaguascoTaguasco10 km · NExplore →
Caibarién MuseumCaibarién Museum12 km · EExplore →
RemediosRemedios15 km · SEExplore →
PlacetasPlacetas23 km · SExplore →
La SierpeLa Sierpe24 km · NExplore →

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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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tomás Terry Theatre (3)

Sancti Spíritus📍 landmark

A city in central Cuba, known for its colonial old town and the wooden bridge over the Yayabo River.

Iglesia Parroquial Mayor del Espíritu Santo📍 landmark

The main parish church of Sancti Spíritus, a baroque building from the 16th century.

Facultad de Ciencias Medicas Sancti Spiritus📍 landmark

The medical school of Sancti Spíritus, part of Cuba's healthcare system.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the Teatro Tomás Terry inaugurated?
The theater was inaugurated in 1890.
Are there ceiling paintings there?
Yes, the ceiling is decorated with beautiful oil paintings and frescoes.
Can you buy tickets online?
Online booking is usually not available in Cuba; tickets are bought at the box office.
How many seats does the theater have?
It has a capacity of approximately 950 seats in a horseshoe layout.
Are there still performances held today?
Yes, it is an active theater for dance, concerts, and plays.
Tomás Terry Theatre: where is it located?
Tomás Terry Theatre is located in Cuba.
Tomás Terry Theatre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sancti Spíritus, Iglesia Parroquial Mayor del Espíritu Santo, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas Sancti Spiritus.
Tomás Terry Theatre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Tomás Terry Theatre: why is it worth visiting?
The Tomás Terry Theatre in Cienfuegos is one of Cuba's most magnificent and best-preserved theaters, standing as a testament to late 19th-century architectural elegance.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Florida — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Florida
A municipality and city in the Camagüey province, an important agricultural center.
Nuevitas — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Nuevitas
A port city on a large bay on the north coast of Camagüey province.
Guáimaro — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Guáimaro
A city of great historical importance, as the first Constitution of the Republic in Arms was adopted here in 1869.
Santa Cruz del Sur — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Santa Cruz del Sur
A coastal city in Camagüey province, severely hit by a devastating hurricane in 1932.
Santa Lucía — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Santa Lucía
Santa Lucía boasts one of Cuba's longest white-sand beaches, protected by a massive coral reef.

History & landmarks

José Martí Park — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
José Martí Park
The central square in the city of Cienfuegos.

More places

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Playa Girón Museum
Museum dedicated to the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion.
Guamá Tourist Center — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Guamá Tourist Center
A Taino-style village reachable by boat within the Zapata Swamp.
Zapata Crocodile Farm — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Zapata Crocodile Farm
A breeding and conservation center for the rare Cuban crocodile.
Alturas de Pérez — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Alturas de Pérez
A modest upland area in central-eastern Cuba.
Pinar Fruit Processing — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Pinar Fruit Processing
Processing of tropical fruits.
Pinar Tobacco Industry — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Pinar Tobacco Industry
Center of cigar manufacturing.
Viñales Mogotes — Tomás Terry Theatre (Cuba)
Viñales Mogotes
The famous limestone mogotes of the Viñales Valley in western Cuba.