TEATRO SOLÍS

Welcome to the oldest theater in South America. Originally designed by the Italian architect Carlo Zucchi and later modified by the Spaniard Francisco Xavier Garmendia, this emblematic building was inaugurated on August 25, 1856 by a company of 156 shareholders to replace the small Casa de Comedias, which no longer met the demands of the growing middle class. It was later purchased by the Montevideo government in 1937. The main facade is neoclassical in inspiration and has eight Corinthian columns by the architect Clemente César. The roof is made of natural slate from Europe. The frontispiece is reminiscent of European theaters such as La Scala in Milan or the Carlo-Felice Theater in Genoa. The side bodies of the building, built between 1869 and 1885, are the work of the Frenchman Victor Rabu. Internationally renowned artists such as the soprano Luisa Tetrazzani, the tenor Francesco Tamagno and the Polish pianist Arthur Rubinstein have performed on its stage, which has also seen great directors and playwrights. The main hall of the theater, in the shape of an ellipse, can accommodate up to 1,600 spectators. It is accessible to the disabled, blind and deaf. The second hall, named Zavala Muniz, is more modern and has a capacity of 280 listeners. The program includes symphony orchestras, theatrical performances, music concerts, one-man shows and poetry evenings.