Rio De Janeiro Theater Guide: Where To See A Show

Not content with just being one of the most beautiful cities and sought-after travel destinations in the world, Rio de Janeiro is also the cultural center of Brazil, hosting numerous exciting shows from both national and foreign acts. With over 60 theaters and cultural centers that support live concerts, orchestras, musicals and plays, there is never a lack of opportunities to see a show.

Teatro Municipal

Building, Theater

The Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) is one of the most important theaters in the country, and the prime spot to watch a show. The building is designed in the classic Parisian style, and the interior is as breath-taking as the performances that take place within its walls. This theater mostly shows ballet and classical music productions, with the theater’s own ballet and orchestra groups performing all year round. However, the theater’s calendar is sprinkled with foreign acts throughout the year, which are announced on the theater’s website.

Centro Cultural Light

Theater

Although off the typical tourist path, the Centro Cultural Light (Light Cultural Center) is worth a visit for its regular art exhibitions featuring Brazilian artists, historical exhibits and a host of musical and educational projects. It is the main headquarters of energy company Light, yet opened up in 1994 to offer more cultural acts and performances.

CCBB - Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil

Cinema, Theater

Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil |© Alexandre Macieira|Riotur/Flickr

CCBB(Cultural Center of the Bank of Brazil) is sponsored and supported by one of Brazil’s largest public banks, Banco do Brasil. The center has regular events that run six days a week, including performing arts, cinema, exhibitions, seminars, debates, lectures, discussions and educational and musical programs. It is a significant cultural center in Brazil, having held over 12,000 events in the last 25 years

Teatro Maison de France

Cinema, Theater

The Teatro Maison de France (House of France Theater) is an important venue for theatrical events in Rio de Janeiro, and has been operating since the 1950s. One of its most significant moments was when it hosted the Molière Theatre Award, which recognizes and honors the Brazilian artistic scene and people. The venue hosts wonderful plays and performing arts acts, and also has a free cinema program on Mondays.

Teatro Rival

Theater

Having provided various cultural performances and acts throughout the last 75-odd years, Teatro Rival (Rival Theater) is one of the most important venues in the music and theater scenes in Brazilian history. It has hosted many popular music shows, which have acted as a base to launch new Brazilian musicians, and has several ongoing theatrical performances running throughout the year.

Teatro dos Grandes Atores

Cinema, Theater

The Teatro dos Grandes Atores (The Theater of Great Actors) was opened in 1994 in Barra da Tijuca, and offers a wide range of different cultural shows, cinema screenings and performances. The theater is separated into two rooms – the Blue Room and the Red Room – which each have a capacity of 336 seats. One of its most noteable performances was the staging of Jean Genet’s As Criadas directed by Ricardo Torres in 1996.

About the author

Sarah Brown

Sarah is a British freelance journalist and writer based in Rio de Janeiro. Her favourite travel experiences so far include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, trekking through Rio's urban forest and enjoying the city life in Madrid. Find her on Instagram @sbgrio

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