The theater is currently under renovation since in November 2022 there was a fire that affected a large part of the interior area and dome.
Inspired by the French neoclassical style, this theater was inaugurated on December 21, 1908. The original project was commissioned by the architect Pío Piacentini, the technical direction was carried out by the architect Enrico Desserti, the sketch and painting of the dome is due to Nicolás Allegretti and the façade of the building with a marked European flavor is the work of Fernando Ceicola. In December 2008 the theater celebrated 100 years.
Its layout and façade are reminiscent of the great European theaters of the time. In the center of the dome or dome hangs a chandelier whose arms are made of iridescent cut glass. The scenic arch presents side columns of the Corinthian order, with the variants required by the construction systems and materials of the region despite the fact that many of them were imported, richly decorated inside with sufficient spaciousness and majesty.
Notable works and artists have been presented on its stage not only nationally and internationally in recent years, such as: Ofelia Guilman, Carmen Montejo, Marga López, Angélica María, Facundo Cabral, Alberto Cortés, Guadalupe Pineda, Tania Libertad, Eugenia León, Armando Manzanero, Las Marionetas del Japon, the National Ballet of Russia, the Kiev Ballet, and the Tiepolo String Ensemble, to name a few. It is currently the headquarters of the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra.
The José Peón Contreras Theater is the most important cultural center of the Yucatán Institute of Culture, it also has its own galleries, where the most prominent artists exhibit their works. There is also a tourist information module and a cultural information module in the Lobby.
Teatro José Peón Contreras
Calle 60 x 59 y 57, Centro.
Tels. 999 924 3954 y 999 924 3843
Author: Yucatán Today
Yucatán Today, the traveler's companion, has been covering Yucatán’s destinations, culture, gastronomy, and things to do for 36 years. Available in English and Spanish, it’s been featured in countless travel guides due to the quality of its content.