The construction of the Theater started in the 19 Century and was inaugurated in 1903

Today the place looks fabulous with the recent works of restoration

Guanajuato/Gto News

For 120 years, a majestic building with exquisite architectural details has stood in the heart of the city of Guanajuato: the Teatro Juarez, a living venue that is among the most beautiful theaters in the world and is the main venue of the International Cervantino Festival.

This coliseum, which receives its name in honor of President of Mexico, Benito Juarez, was inaugurated on October 27, 1903, by then President of Mexico, Porfirio Diaz. For this memorable moment, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Aida” was performed, presented by Ettore Drog’s Italian Company. This play was presented again during the recent reopening of the venue on October 6.

On the land where the Juarez Theater is today there was a Franciscan convent. Later, the first hotel in the city was built: El Emporio. 

It was in 1872 that, at the request of then Governor of Guanajuato, General Florencio Antillon, it was decided to build a theater that was on par with the best in the country, whose commission was in charge of the architect Jose Noriega.

The bronze lions that guard the steps of this enclosure were the work of Jesus Contreras, who also made the Peace Monument.

The large painting of the coat of arms of the city of Guanajuato, located on the landing of the stairs that leads to the foyer, was made by the Spanish painter Jose Escudero y Espronceda. The muses that surround the porch were manufactured by the company W. Mullins and Cia., from the United States; the original furniture of the foyer, dressing rooms and smoking rooms were acquired at the Bon Marche stores in Paris; the lamp in the center of the foyer comes from England.

Between 2022 and 2023, the Government of the State of Guanajuato promoted the largest intervention in the history of the facility, in which 161 million pesos were invested for restoration work on the façade and interior.

120 years after its inauguration, the Teatro Juarez continues to be among the best art forums in Mexico and is one of the most recognized in the world, with countless experiences from different perspectives of those who in some way have been part of the history of this venue.