Gran Teatro (grand theather), Havana

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The Great Theatre of Havana (Gran Teatro de La Habana), was officially opened in 1838 in Havana, Cuba, although its first presentation occurred on November, 1837. Located in Paseo del Prado, in a building known as the Palacio del Centro Gallego. Today it is the permanent headquarters of the National Ballet of Cuba and the main stage for the International Ballet Festival of Havana. It has rooms of theaters, concert, conferences and video, as well as, galleries of visual, a choral center, several halls test for danzarias groupings and dancing arts.

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One of the most beautiful buildings in Havana is the GRAN TEATRO DE LA HABANA or Grand Theatre. Its magnificent exterior has four marble sculptures depicting - Charity - Education - Music & Theatre. Constructed in 1914, it is located across from the Capitolio Nacional and close to Central Park. The theatre's Garcia Lorca auditorium provides a magnificent stage for the Cuban National Ballet Company as well as other dance and musical performances.

Well, I am not really fair about this building. Now, it is a national theatre, but it was formerly built as a part of the Galician Centre in Havana. As a Galician, I can't avoid feeling emotional about what a beautiful place my countryfellows give to the city which received them in hardt times. It was built in 1915 under the plans of the architect Paul Belau, but there was previously another theatre on the same place. The foundations of that old theatre were used for the new one. It has a impressive exterior decoration and the hole building is huge and impressive. It opens every day from 9 to 18.
Vale, no soy muy imparcial en lo que respecta a este edificio. Ahora es un teatro nacional, pero antes se construyo como parte del Centro Gallego de la Habana. Como gallega, no puedo evitar sentirme emocionada al pensar en el precioso edificio que mis paisanos obsequiaron a la ciudad que les recibio en tiempos dificiles. Fue erigido en 1915, con planos del arquitecto Paul Belau, pero habia ya antes otro teatro en el mismo lugar, cuyos cimientos fueron aprovechados para este. Tiene una impresionante decoracion exterior y todo el edificio es enorme e impresionante. Abre para visitas todos los dias de 9 a 18 horas.

Very well known by every ballet lover, The Gran Teatro, builded in 1837 and known at taht times as Teatro Tacon nowdays still has the same spendlor and atmosfere. The "García Lorca" saloon is the main place, where any important event take place. Here U can see Alicia Alonso, our prima ballerina.

The theatre complex has a 2000-red velvet seat theatre, a much smaller theatre from a separate entrance, practice rooms for the National Ballet and Opera, and a studio for artists.

You can find a lot of marble in the complex, eg. the elegant marble staircase leading to the balcony level. Unfortunately, the interior was somewhat deteriorated in some areas.

There is a fee to get in during the day, which includes a guided tour of the different areas inside. There are also weekly performances for US$10 or so.

The theatre was a masterpiece of mid-1800s, and certainly was one of the most beautiful theatres which was comparable to those in Europe at the time.

The exterior of the theatre is very magnificant, with four marble sculptures depicting charity, education, music and theatre on the front facade. In addition, it has a tower at each corner, each with an angel on top. The baroque style building is richly decorated with numerous balconies and arches.

Another oldie limousine but the client was younger. A family on thheir way home - somewhere in beautiful Habana.
The picture was taken in front of the grand theater.A fascinating building and part of the golden years in Cuba

The building is so beautiful and inside it´s just as nice. It´s just next to Capitolio