Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas)

The Basics

Today, the 700-seat Manaus Opera House is home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts the annual Amazonas Opera Festival. To see inside, go on a tour of the theater when it's not in use or consult the schedule to check out one of the many free performances. As a major landmark in town, the exterior of the building is almost always featured on sightseeing tours of Manaus, including history tours that focus on the city’s rubber boom history.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Manaus Opera House is a must-see for architecture buffs and music lovers.

• Parts of the building are accessible to wheelchairs, but it’s a good idea to request special seats in advance.

• Tickets to performances are not available online and must be purchased in person.

How to Get There

The opera house is centrally located and easy to get to on foot from many other attractions in Manaus. If you’re coming from further afield, take a public bus (destinations are listed on the front of the buses) or hire a taxi to take you there. Taxis are rather inexpensive and often much more convenient.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the opera house is when a performance is scheduled, though the building is worth a look at for its architecture alone. Buy tickets ahead of time in person or show up at least an hour early to secure a seat.

History of the Opera House

The Teatro Amazonas was built between 1884 and 1896, and the first ever performance was the opera "La Gioconda,” staged in January of 1897. When the rubber boom dwindled, the theater lost its wealthy patrons and actually shut down for 90 years. In 2001 the government invested millions in renovations to reopen the theater.