Grand Theatre of the Liceu Barcelona
Spain - Barcelona - Seville - Valencia - Madrid
The Grand Theatre of the Liceu is one of Barcelona’s oldest entertainment arenas. The hall dates back more than a century as its construction had begun in 1844 under the initiative of the Liceu Filharmònico-Dramàtic Barcelonès. The building is a stately mansion designed by Francesc d'Assís Soler, though the charge had later shifted to Josep Oriol Mestres and Miquel Garriga i Roca. The theatre finally opened to the public in 1848 to serve as a steady platform to the talents of the period. The historic building continues to be a major name in the city’s cultural landscape, serving as a pivot of the latest endeavors in music and theatre.
The theatre as we find it today is however, a reconstruction. The original building had been destroyed twice as a massive fire first ruined the fine architecture in 1861. As the theatre survived the flames, attempts were made to restore it to its former glory. Celebrated realist painters like Martí Alsina, Lluís Rigalt and Antoni Caba succeeded in adorning the building with intricate artworks, and a year later, the hall started with a new lease of life. The Grand Theatre of the Liceu failed to survive for long as a bomb explosion in 1893 threatened its very foundations. As the damages were repaired, the hall was once more engulfed in flames and it was only in 1999 that Barcelona got back one of the most important establishments in its cultural scenario.
The Grand Theatre of the Liceu stands today with its former glory as numerous performers across the city choose the historic venue for staging their performances. The restored theatre is equipped with every provision for ensuring fine quality acoustics and visibility. Even though modern equipments try to keep pace with the demands of the contemporary performances, the theatre still wears a quaint charm with its 19th century architecture and its haunting past.
Address: C la Rambla, 51*59, bxs
Ciutat Vella
Barcelona 08002
