Buenos Aires is the city of Latin American theatres. But all the lights and flashes tend to stay on Corrientes Avenue or the imposing Teatro Colón, forgetting nothing less than the historic Teatro Nacional Cervantes.
With more than 100 years of history, the Teatro Nacional Cervantes is one of the most representative theatres of this art in Buenos Aires. Even the king of Spain, back in the early 20th century, contributed to making the construction project possible.
Here we will share everything you need to know about the Teatro Nacional Cervantes. So you can prepare to visit it and, why not, enjoy a live theatre performance.
Teatro Nacional Cervantes (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is the Teatro Nacional Cervantes?
Historical Significance
The Teatro Nacional Cervantes, located at the corner of Córdoba Avenue and Libertad Street, is a National Historic Monument and one of the architectural jewels of Buenos Aires.
Inaugurated on September 5, 1921, the theatre was a significant cultural and social event for the city. It was the dream of Spanish actress María Guerrero and her husband, Fernando Díaz de Mendoza, who invested their personal fortune to bring the project to life.
Even King Alfonso XIII of Spain contributed to the theatre’s construction by arranging for Spanish cargo ships arriving in Buenos Aires to transport essential artistic elements.
Architectural Design
The theatre’s design and construction were overseen by architects Fernando Aranda and Emilio Repetto, who ensured that the building’s façade reflected the Renaissance style of the University of Alcalá de Henares, with plateresque columns.
The construction required the efforts of nearly 700 workers, including artisans and artists. The theatre was formally inaugurated with the play La dama boba by Lope de Vega, performed by María Guerrero.
State Ownership and Renovation
Due to financial difficulties, the theatre was nearly auctioned off five years after its inauguration, but cultural figures intervened, and the state acquired it. In 1933, a law established the National Comedy Theatre, designating the Cervantes as its home.
A fire in 1961 caused significant damage, leading to a seven-year reconstruction period. The theatre was expanded with an annex designed by modernist architect Mario Roberto Alvarez. The theatre reopened in 1968 and was declared a National Historic Monument in 1995.
Cultural Contributions and Recognition
The theatre continues to play a vital role in Argentina’s cultural landscape. It houses the National Institute of Theatre Studies, the Cervantes Theatre Museum, a theatrical archive, and a specialized library.
In 2021, the theatre received a Special Mention in the Konex Awards for its contribution to culture. In 2022, it was awarded the XVI Gregorio Arcos International Prize by the Spanish National Association of Friends of Historic Theatres for its extraordinary preservation and cultural significance.
Theatre Layout
The theatre features three halls for performances. The main hall, María Guerrero, seats 860 spectators. The Orestes Caviglia hall, previously a café, accommodates 150 people and is ideal for chamber concerts and intimate performances. The Luisa Vehil hall is adaptable, with no fixed stage or seating arrangement, allowing it to be tailored to various needs.
Where is the Teatro Nacional Cervantes?
The Teatro Nacional Cervantes is located at 815 Libertad Street, precisely at the corner of Córdoba Avenue. It is situated in the southern part of the Retiro neighborhood, bordering the San Nicolás neighborhood, in the heart of Buenos Aires. Just one block from the Cervantes Theatre is the iconic 9 de Julio Avenue, the most important avenue in Buenos Aires. Additionally, Corrientes Avenue lies to the south, Santa Fe Avenue to the north, and Callao Avenue to the west.
The area surrounding the Teatro Nacional Cervantes is a mix of commercial and tourist activities. Notably, the Teatro Colón and the bustling Corrientes Street, known for its numerous theaters and restaurants, are just a few blocks away.
The theater’s location also boasts a significant presence of educational institutions, law offices, corporate buildings, and government activities, making it a consistently busy area.
To the north of the Teatro Nacional Cervantes are the neighborhoods of Retiro and Recoleta. To the west lies the expansive Palermo neighborhood. To the south, you’ll find the San Nicolás neighborhood, leading to the historic center of Buenos Aires (Monserrat, San Telmo). To the east, you can reach Puerto Madero.
How to Get to the Teatro Nacional Cervantes?
Given that the area around the Teatro Nacional Cervantes is bustling throughout the day, especially during the weekdays, the best way to get there is by public transportation.
The Buenos Aires subway is a convenient option. Several subway lines have stations just a few blocks from the Teatro Nacional Cervantes:
- Subway Line D: The Tribunales – Teatro Colón station is just two blocks away from Teatro Nacional Cervantes.
- Subway Line C: The San Martín station, located in the plaza of the same name, is about five blocks from the theater.
Remember that you can switch between subway lines by paying just once, eliminating the need for other transportation.
Buses are also a highly recommended option for getting to the Teatro Nacional Cervantes and returning to your accommodation. The central location, with its mix of tourist, commercial, and professional activities, explains why so many bus lines pass through the area. Among them are lines: 39, 59, 99, 100, 106, 109, 111, 140, 150, and 152.
Why Visit the Teatro Nacional Cervantes?
Enjoy a Theatre Production
The Teatro Nacional Cervantes offers a continuously updated program throughout the year. Its three halls feature plays of various themes and genres, all of which are of high quality and boast excellent scripts and actors.
Admire the Theatre’s Architecture
Constructed over 100 years ago with high-quality materials from Spain, the Teatro Nacional Cervantes showcases Spanish Baroque style, not only in its exterior but also in its interior halls. It’s an iconic building in Buenos Aires and undoubtedly one of the city’s most beautiful theaters, along with the Teatro Colón.
Engage in Other Activities (Both Onsite and Online)
Beyond its theater productions, the Teatro Nacional Cervantes remains active with various other activities. These include classes, meetings, and audiovisual content available on its online platforms. The goal is to bring the theater closer to its audiences, even those who may be hesitant to visit such venues or attend performances.
Take a guided tour
Guided tours of the historic building of the Teatro Nacional Cervantes offer new perspectives, uses and performative approaches to its fascinating architecture.
Far from offering a conventional guided tour, the Teatro Nacional Cervantes offers a tour of the foyer, the Salón Dorado, the theatre halls, the dressing rooms and costumes, led by a group of actors who allow ways of sharing and moving through its architecture.
The proposal takes place during the months of March to October, on Saturdays at 11am.
(Featured Image Source: Secretaría de Cultura/flickr.com)
