A tall stepped tower catches your eye. That is the silhouette of the Teatro Metropolitano. This classic theater stands on Avenida Corrientes in Buenos Aires.
The Teatro Metropolitano is more than just a building. It is a cultural landmark with a rich history. It opened in 1937 as the Cine-Teatro Metropolitan. This reflected the shift of cinema gaining popularity over theater.
The building occupies land cleared by widening Corrientes Avenue. Engineers German and J. B. Joselevich plus E. Ramirez and Rafael Abril designed it. Its style is Art Deco. It was fashionable for that era.
Originally the Teatro Metropolitano had a single hall. It featured two levels that could seat 2000 people. There was a main floor and an upper balcony. Marble lined the grand lobby.
Like many theaters in Buenos Aires the Teatro Metropolitano adapted. It faced declining audiences due to television and video tapes. The theater was divided. Now there are two halls. Sala 1 seats 860 people. Sala 2 holds 598. Since 1955 it is near the traditional pizzeria Los Inmortales.
The Teatro Metropolitano hosts diverse events today. Artistic performances and corporate events take place here. You can see children’s plays and adult shows. Comedies, dramatic comedies and musicals are common. Late-night shows offer stand-up comedy. These shows target young adults.
The Teatro Metropolitano has changed names over the years. Citi bank sponsored the theater in 2013. It was called Metropolitan Citi. The facade was restored that year. New lighting and doors were added. The lobbies were remodeled. Seats and dressing rooms were renovated. The theater reopened to the public in April.
The theater went through another name change. It became Metropolitan Sura in 2017. In 2023 it returned to its original name Teatro Metropolitano.
The Teatro Metropolitano continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Buenos Aires’ cultural scene. Its walls echo with laughter and applause. The theater is managed by Grupo La Plaza. Its address is Avenida Corrientes 1343.
The Teatro Metropolitano stands as a testament to time. It showcases architectural beauty and artistic innovation. It has reinvented itself to stay relevant. This ensures its place in the city’s cultural landscape. As you leave take one last look at its tower. Remember the stories told within its walls.