You will find the Gran Teatro de La Habana standing along Havana's Paseo del Prado, serving as a historic cultural landmark and the proud home of the Cuban National Ballet. Originally built in 1914 by Purdy and Henderson, Engineers, and designed by Belgian architect Paul Belau, this magnificent Baroque Revival building was funded by Galician immigrants to serve as a community-social center. The complex incorporates the original 1838 Teatro Tacón auditorium, which once hosted world-renowned artists like Enrico Caruso and Sarah Bernhardt.
When you visit, you can explore facilities featuring theatres, a concert hall, conference rooms, an art gallery, a video screening room, a choral center, and rehearsal halls. Take time to admire the exterior stone facing and white marble sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti and Geneva Mercer representing charity, education, music, and theater. Inside the lobby, look for José Villa Soberón's 2018 bronze sculpture depicting legendary dancer Alicia Alonso in her famous role as Giselle.
If you attend an event inside the 1,500-seat García Lorca Auditorium, you are experiencing a historic stage that has hosted top dance companies from around the world alongside the biennial International Ballet Festival of Havana.
What to see at Gran Teatro de La Habana
- Home of the Cuban National Ballet and the 1,500-seat García Lorca Auditorium
- Baroque Revival architecture designed by Belgian architect Paul Belau
- White marble sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti and Geneva Mercer
- José Villa Soberón's 2018 bronze sculpture of Alicia Alonso as Giselle in the lobby
- Host of the International Ballet Festival of Havana every two years since 1960
Visiting tips
Look for the bronze sculpture of famous dancer Alicia Alonso in the lobby, which honors her iconic role in the romantic ballet Giselle.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Gran Teatro de La Habana is easy to reach on Havana’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Havana Cathedral and Museum of the Revolution. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Havana travel guide.
See the full Havana travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.