Romance is alive in this gorgeous old opera house in central Merida, where actors still tread the floorboards and the sweet sounds of violins fill the air.
The Teatro Peon Contreras is one of Yucatán’s cultural treasures. Come here to enjoy live performances or simply marvel at the lavish interior.
Sink down into your red velvet seat and spend an unforgettable evening listening to the dulcet sounds of the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra. Many varied live performances are held here throughout the year. Browse the establishment’s program to take your pick of dance, theater, musicals and children’s shows.
Visit during one of Mexico’s cultural holidays and you may be lucky enough to catch one of the theater’s famous operas. Mingle with the local residents as they arrive in all their finery to hear masterful opera works from popular composers such as Verdi and Leoncavallo.
Enter the lobby and be impressed by the artistry and care that have gone into this building. Make your way up the grand marble staircase to the upper gallery to access the main theater.
Look for the cultural influence of the building’s Italian architects when you see the main theater space. The large central cupola is adorned with a painted fresco of the Greek muses while the glittering crystal chandelier lights up the room. Patron seats are spread across the main area, private boxes and tiered balconies.
Finished in 1908, this building has undergone some surprising metamorphoses. From its early glory as Yucatan’s most distinguished Opera House, its slow decline was marked by years as a cinema, office building, and even gas station. Today, enjoy the building’s air conditioning, a very welcome modern twist to this otherwise authentic slice of history.
Step out onto the outer terrace for a breath of fresh air during the intermission. Admire the grand columns and detailed ceilings of this outdoor space and gaze down at the views over Calle 60. After the show has finished, head out for an evening meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
Grab your opera glasses and book your tickets for a refined evening at Yucatan’s premier cultural attraction, the Teatro Peon Contreras.
