Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, San Jose
The Melico Salazar Popular Theater, an important architectural structure in Costa Rica, has a complex history. While it is large and designed in the European Baroque style, it is less elaborate than the nearby National Theater, which was influenced by Parisian architecture.
Originally built in 1799, the theater was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1828. Despite this setback, it was rebuilt and operated smoothly until 1849, when former President of Costa Rica Juan Rafael Mora and his army occupied the building, leaving behind hidden cannons beneath the floor.
Over the years, the theater underwent numerous changes. In 1918, it became a boys' institution, but this ended in 1924 after an earthquake damaged its structure. Jose Raventos recognized its potential and purchased the property, transforming it into an elegant theater named the Raventos Theater. The theater was a venue for operas and entertainment until a fire destroyed its interior in 1967.
The theater was refurbished and renamed the Popular Theater. In 1976, a renewed interest in the arts and music led to a complete renovation of the interior, resulting in its latest name change in 1980 to the Melico Salazar Popular Theater, in honor of Manuel "Melico" Salazar, a renowned Costa Rican tenor.
Currently, the theater displays artworks from the Spanish Museum of Art and features new cascading balconies, a rebuilt stage, and an orchestra dais. Visitors can attend events during its season from April to December.
Originally built in 1799, the theater was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1828. Despite this setback, it was rebuilt and operated smoothly until 1849, when former President of Costa Rica Juan Rafael Mora and his army occupied the building, leaving behind hidden cannons beneath the floor.
Over the years, the theater underwent numerous changes. In 1918, it became a boys' institution, but this ended in 1924 after an earthquake damaged its structure. Jose Raventos recognized its potential and purchased the property, transforming it into an elegant theater named the Raventos Theater. The theater was a venue for operas and entertainment until a fire destroyed its interior in 1967.
The theater was refurbished and renamed the Popular Theater. In 1976, a renewed interest in the arts and music led to a complete renovation of the interior, resulting in its latest name change in 1980 to the Melico Salazar Popular Theater, in honor of Manuel "Melico" Salazar, a renowned Costa Rican tenor.
Currently, the theater displays artworks from the Spanish Museum of Art and features new cascading balconies, a rebuilt stage, and an orchestra dais. Visitors can attend events during its season from April to December.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Teatro Popular Melico Salazar on Map
Sight Name: Teatro Popular Melico Salazar
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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