Located in Praça da República in Belém, Pará, Brazil, Theatro da Paz stands as the most important culture house in northern Brazil. Built between 1869 and 1874 during the golden age of rubber in the Amazon Basin, this neoclassical architectural landmark was planned by engineer José Tibúrcio Pereira Magalhães and officially opened to the public in 1878 with Adolphe d'Ennery's drama The Two Orphans. When you visit, you can appreciate a historic structure listed by IPHAN in 1963 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2026.
Step inside to admire horseshoe-shaped straw seats, side patios surrounded by columns and staircases, and lobby busts of José de Alencar and Gonçalves Dias. In the noble hall next to a giant crystal mirror, you will see busts of maestros Carlos Gomes and Henrique Gurjão. Look up to examine the spectacle room roof panel painted by Italian artist Domenico de Angelis depicting Greek gods, along with the restored Jover roof.
Historically graced by Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova and maestro Carlos Gomes running O Guarani, this theater also features decorative busts representing music, poetry, comedy, and tragedy added in 1904. Today, you can experience its restored original colors and modern Opera Festivals.
What to see at Theatro da Paz
- Neoclassical architecture built during the Amazon rubber boom and named by bishop Dom Macedo Costa
- Spectacle room roof panel painted by Domenico de Angelis depicting Greek gods
- Noble hall featuring a giant-sized crystal mirror and busts of famous maestros
- Horseshoe-shaped seating area featuring traditional straw seats
- Lobby adorned with Carrara marble busts of José de Alencar and Gonçalves Dias
Visiting tips
Look out for modern Opera Festivals hosted at the theater to catch low-cost or free renditions of classic operas.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During Opera Festivals
How to get there & what’s nearby
Theatro da Paz is easy to reach on Belém’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Belém travel guide.
See the full Belém travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.