Welcome to Colombia's National Theatre, the Teatro Colón, a historic landmark in Bogotá designed in the Neoclassical style by Italian architect Pietro Cantini. Built on a 2,400-square-meter site, construction began on October 5, 1885, at the former location of the Coliseo Ramírez and Teatro Maldonado. It was inaugurated on October 12, 1892, to mark the fourth centenary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, opening with Verdi's Ernani.
Outside, you will admire its stone Tuscan Doric facade with three sections separated by stone cornices. Inside, the main hall features a traditional horseshoe-shaped auditorium modeled after Paris's Palais Garnier at roughly half the size, offering 785 seats across front and rear rows, boxes, and a gallery. As you explore, visit the second-level foyer, featuring ornate pilasters, windows, doors, ceiling frescoes, and seating for 120 people during recitals and chamber music performances.
You can also discover the Victor Mallarino Room, a key space in the founding of the National School of Dramatic Arts, and learn about the magnificent stage curtain painted by Florentine artist Annibale Gatti. Declared a National Monument in 1975, this iconic venue even hosted the historic 2016 Havana Peace Agreement.
What to see at Teatro Colón
- Neoclassical facade designed in the Tuscan Doric order using carved stone
- Horseshoe-shaped main hall with 785 seats inspired by the Palais Garnier
- Second-level foyer adorned with ceiling frescoes, ornate doors, and pilasters
- Historic stage curtain created by Florentine artist Annibale Gatti
- The Victor Mallarino Room, instrumental in shaping modern Colombian drama
Visiting tips
Head up to the second-level foyer to appreciate the detailed ceiling frescoes and ornate architectural decorations.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During scheduled performances
How to get there & what’s nearby
Teatro Colón is easy to reach on Bogotá’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Gold Museum and Primary Cathedral of Bogotá. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bogotá travel guide.
See the full Bogotá travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.