Teatro Sucre and Teatro Variedades

Quito’s most elegant theatre, the Sucre National Theatre, was restored to its former glory in 2004 and has once again become the country’s foremost venue for concerts, ballet and opera. Begun in 1879 and inaugurated in 1886, the history of the theatre dates back to when the liberal intelligentsia of Quito wanted to give the citizenry something more than bullfights – the space the theatre occupies was once the city’s main bullring. The theatre was designed by the German architect, Frank Schmit, along neo-classical lines.

The theatre has been the home of the performing arts in Quito for much of the twentieth century. Such greats as Yehudi Menuhin, Stan Getz, Alfredo Segovia, as well as orchestras and companies from around the world have taken to its stage and orchestra pit during its long and illustrious history.

A thorough restoration of the theatre was undertaken in 2001 and completed two years later. The venue now includes the first-class restaurant Teatrum, as well as state of the art facilities.

The Teatro de Variedades Ernesto Alban was inaugurated in late 2006. It is home to a more diverse and less high-brow repertoire than the Sucre, with many comedy nights, for example. The Variedades has a contemporary café in its basement, Café del Teatro.

The Plaza del Teatro in front of these two theatres is also used as a stage. There are regular jazz concerts here on Thursday evenings, as well as other special events.

For images of the theatre past and present, as well as its programme of events, go here.

The theatre also has a museum which can be visited with prior notice, and visiting artists often give masterclasses in this space. Contact museodelteatro@teatrosucre.com for more information.