Dare to imagine a place where art comes alive. The Teatro General San Martín stands before you. It is more than just a building. It is a cultural icon in Buenos Aires.
This theater is one of Argentina’s major theaters. It offers venues for stage works film and art exhibitions. Its story began long before its doors opened.
The idea for the Teatro General San Martín dates back to 1908. Socialist Congressman Alfredo Palacios proposed it. Years later in 1936 Mayor Mariano de Vedia and Mitre planned a building for the Teatro del Pueblo. A theater on Corrientes Avenue was chosen.
In 1944 the Municipal Theater of Buenos Aires opened there. It aimed to promote Argentine theater. In 1950 it was renamed Teatro General San Martín. This honored General José de San Martín. He was a hero of Argentine independence. President Juan Perón commissioned a new building. Architects Mario Roberto Álvarez and Macedonio Ruiz designed it. Construction began in 1954.
The Teatro General San Martín finally opened on May 25 1960. It soon became a Latin American cultural center. The building spans 30000 square meters. It has thirteen floors and four basements. Inside are three performance stages exhibition halls and a cinema.
The Teatro General San Martín has three main halls. The Martín Coronado Salon is the largest. It seats over 1000 people. Its stage has variable sizes and moving sections. José Fioravanti’s Allegory to the Theater adorns the ceiling. Sculptures by Pablo Curatella Manes decorate the walls.
The Casacuberta Salon honors Juan José de los Santos Casacuberta. He was a famous 19th-century actor. This hall seats 566. It features a semicircular orchestra. A mural by Luis Seoane graces the lobby. There are also reliefs by Carlos de la Cárcova and a sculpture by Enio Iommi.
The Cunill Cabanellas Chamber is for experimental theater. It opened in 1979. The room’s capacity varies. A ceramic mural by Luis Diego Pedreira decorates the hall.
The Leopoldo Lugones Hall screens films. It has 233 seats. This hall is located on the tenth floor.
The Teatro General San Martín’s architecture is striking. The facade is a curtain wall of steel and glass. A marquee protects passersby on Corrientes Avenue. The central lobby features a ceramic mural by Juan Batlle Planas.
In 1972 the World Chess Championship final match was held here. Bobby Fischer won against Tigran Petrosian.
The Teatro General San Martín is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living breathing space for creativity. It has attracted over a million visitors every year. Its stages have hosted countless performances. Its halls have displayed diverse art. The Teatro General San Martín remains a vital part of Buenos Aires. It is a testament to Argentina’s rich cultural heritage.