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
Create Your Own Walk in San Jose
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Tour
What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour
The history of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is that of growth and transformation. Founded in 1736 by the Spanish colonial administration (Cabildo de León) to concentrate the scattered inhabitants of the area, San Jose lacked formal city status until 1812. Surprisingly, but only two years later, the status was revoked. However, in 1820, it was reinstated, and San Jose became Costa... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour
Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital – San Jose – is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose
Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...