Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)

The Basics

The regal façade of the Colon Theatre makes a popular photo stop on sightseeing tours of Buenos Aires, but visitors can also admire the lavish interiors on a guided theater tour. Tours take in all the highlights, including the Golden Hall, the Gallery of Busts, and the Main Foyer. Attending a performance at the luxurious, 7-story, 2,500-seat theater is an even more memorable experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is an admission fee for visitors without performance tickets to enter the theater; a guided tour is included.

• Tours run daily, every 15 minutes (except during performance times) and last about 50 minutes.

• Tours are offered in multiple languages, including English.

• There is a range of seating options and ticket prices available for performances, but advance booking is always recommended.

• The theater is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Colon Theatre is on the corner of Cerrito and Tucuman in downtown Buenos Aires. The closest subway (subte) station is Tribunales (Line D).

When to Get There

Head to the Colon Theatre in the evening to watch a performance; the striking building is most magnificent after dark, when it’s dramatically illuminated. Free performances are held monthly, usually on a Saturday or Sunday at 11am.

History of the Colon Theatre

The theater took more than 20 years and three architects to complete, before opening its doors in 1908. It has hosted some of the world’s greatest conductors, opera singers, and ballet dancers. Artists who have appeared include Igor Stravinsky, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo. The theater is also famed for its set and costume workshops, as well as the Instituto Superior de Arte, where dancers Julio Bocca and Maximiliano Guerra trained.

Can I visit the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón) without attending a performance?

Yes, you can visit the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón) without attending a performance. You can take a guided tour of the lavishly decorated performance venue—its classical architecture and world-class acoustics rival those of Paris’ Palais Garnier and London’s Royal Opera House. Tours take place every day and last 50 minutes.

What do you see on a tour of Colon Theatre?

On a tour of the Colon Theatre, you see the foyer, the Bust Gallery, the Golden Hall, and the Main Hall. Look out for details such as grand chandeliers, gold-leaf adorned ceilings, and sculptures. You’ll also learn about its architecture and the famous performers who have graced its stage.

Where can I buy tickets for Colon Theatre?

Tickets can be booked online or at the box office for Colon Theatre performances and guided tours. As the premier destination for classical music performances in Argentina, tickets for certain events can sell out fast, so secure yours early to avoid disappointment.

What is the dress code for attending events at Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)?

The dress code for events at the Colon Theatre is smart casual. While you’ll see plenty of people wearing jeans and trainers to performances, some visitors take the opportunity to dress up in formal apparel. If you’re unsure about what your particular performance requires, you can contact the venue via the email listed on its website.

What are the must-see performances at Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)?

Colon Theatre has a reputation for the best acoustics in the world, so any performance you see there is sure to be spectacular. To make the most of its sound-amplifying capacity, consider booking an opera or ballet performance, during which live orchestras and voices will sound particularly crisp and clear.

What other Buenos Aires attractions are near to Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)?

The Colon Theatre boasts a prime position on Avenida 9 de Julio, the main artery of Buenos Aires. Other nearby landmarks include the city’s Obelisco monument (Obelisco de Buenos Aires); Palacio Barolo, a grand building modeled on Dante’s Inferno; and Galerías Pacífico, an opulent shopping center with artworks and a grand dome.

Ways to explore

Guided tours take you behind the scenes of the early 20th-century theater to admire the Grand Foyer, stroll through the Gallery of Busts, and marvel at the glittering Golden Hall. You can also snag tickets for an opera, ballet, or classic musical concert and experience the venue’s famous acoustics for yourself.

Colon Theatre is also a popular photo stop on sightseeing, walking, and bike tours of Buenos Aires, along with nearby attractions such as the Obelisk, Florida Avenue, and Plaza de Mayo.

Accessibility

The theater is wheelchair accessible and offers free access for disability cardholders; tickets must be requested two weeks in advance.

Age limits

Some performances may have a recommended minimum age.

What to pack

binoculars for rear seating, a light cover-up (air-conditioning can be chilly)

What to wear

Smart-casual clothing or formal dress for Grand Opera performances

Not allowed

Large backpacks/luggage, sportswear and sneakers (during Grand Opera performances), cameras/recording devices, outside food and drinks

Amenities

Café, gift shop, restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

The Colon Theatre is located on the corner of Cerrito and Tucuman in downtown Buenos Aires. It’s easily accessed on foot—a 2-minute walk from Av 9 de Julio or about a 20-minute walk from Plaza de Mayo—or by public transportation.

Driving

With limited parking, heavy traffic, and what is often considered a tricky-to-navigate one-way system, driving in central Buenos Aires is no fun. Take a taxi or use a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get to the theater is by subte (metro); the closest station is Tribunales-Teatro Colón (Line D), but Carlos Pellegrini (Line B) and Diagonal Norte (Line C) are also within a 5-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Time your visit for one of the English-language tours, held up to five times daily, or book tickets for an evening performance—most shows start at 8pm.

Best days to visit

Tickets are often slightly cheaper for midweek performances, while Friday and Saturday nights often sell out. Guided tours are held daily.

Best months to visit

Performances are held year-round, but the main opera and ballet season runs from April through November.

Special events

The Grand Opera opening gala in April is the year’s highlight, but look out for events during August’s Buenos Aires International Tango Festival and holiday ballets.