A capital that wanted Paris
The theatre was built during Mayor Pereira Passos's reform of downtown Rio, when the then capital of Brazil remodelled itself on European cities.
Urban Tales › Rio de Janeiro › Theatro Municipal
Theatro Municipal: the history, and Rio's answer to the Paris Opera
Rio's opera house was built when the capital wanted to look like Paris. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Built1905–1909
Inspired byParis Opera (Garnier)
PaintingsEliseu Visconti
Home toballet, orchestra, choir
Hear the Theatro Municipal story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Four years of work
Construction ran from 1905 to 1909, with craftsmen and materials brought from Europe.
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Visconti's ceilings
The paintings by Brazilian artist Eliseu Visconti are among the treasures inside.
TipTake a guided tour to see the foyer, the auditorium and the Assyrian-style room downstairs, or catch an evening performance. With Urban Tales running, the theatre's story plays as you reach Praça Floriano.
Nearby landmarks
Theatro Municipal: common questions
When was the Theatro Municipal built?
Between 1905 and 1909.
What inspired the Theatro Municipal's design?
The Paris Opera (Palais Garnier).
Can you visit the Theatro Municipal?
Yes, there are guided tours, and you can attend opera, ballet and concerts.