El Gran Teatre Del Liceu
El Gran Teatre del Liceu is Barcelona’s world famous opera house, opened in 1847. Its stage hosts the most prestigious international symphonies, ballets, opera festivals, and concerts. El Gran Teatre del Liceu boasts exquisite interior design. During the day, take a regular guided tour to learn more about the theater’s history and to get an eyeful. The most impressive parts are the entrance foyer with the marble staircases and the Hall of Mirrors, which used to be a meeting point for the Catalan bourgeoisie. The solemn main hall replicates the style of the Milanese opera, La Scala. El Gran Teatre del Liceu offers high quality performances in grand interiors.
Coliseum Theater
The Coliseum Theater offers entertaining shows with elements of cabaret or musical. The venue is a popular spot among locals and tourists. Coliseum 0nly became a theater in 2006, after the renovation of its building. Opened in 1923, it served as Barcelona’s main and oldest cinema for most of its history. The Coliseum Theater catches the eye due to its decorations, such as the cupola, two towers, arch of triumph, and the images of Greek muses on the façade. Such architecture was inspired by the building which houses the Paris Opera and imitates the French Beaux-Arts style.
Tivoli Theater
The Tivoli Theater is another important Barcelona venue for music and opera performances. It is the city’s second largest theater, after El Gran Teatre del Liceu. The Tivoli dates back to 1849, when the Gardens of Tivoli were used as an open-air area for concerts, poetry readings, and zarzuelas. The popularity of these shows grew so extensively that it was decided to create a proper building. The Tivoli Theater’s stage has hosted many world opera premiers and many famous and respectful Catalan actors. In the first part of the 20th century, its hall was also used for political meetings and as a cinema. The luxurious interiors of the Tivoli Theater are filled with history and inspiration. Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar used them in his film Todo Sobre Mi Madre (All About My Mother).
El Molino
El Molino is a legendary music hall near avenida del Parallelo, a Barcelonese analogue of the famous cabaret Moulin Rouge of Paris. Founded in 1898, it changed proprietors several times, the repertoire’s focus, and even the official name; from 1910 through 1939 it was called ‘El Petit Moulin Rouge’ (‘Little Moulin Rouge’). During these years the façade of the building was decorated with huge mill flies (like its French prototype) and became a visual emblem of the Poble-Sec area for many decades. When Franco came to power, the cabaret was forced to change its foreign name into Spanish. Since then it has been known as ‘El Molino.’ Nowadays, having been totally remodeled according to the latest technological needs, it offers cabaret, flamenco, and other music programs dedicated to genres from pop to electronic.
