Teatro Arriaga

Overview

The Teatro Arriaga is Bilbao's principal theatre, a neo-baroque opera house that dominates the entrance to the Casco Viejo at the edge of the Arenal. Named after Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, the Bilbao-born composer known as 'the Spanish Mozart', it hosts opera, ballet, theatre, and concerts.

Highlights

• The Façade: An exuberant neo-baroque exterior modelled on the Opéra Garnier in Paris.
• Interior Decoration: Richly ornamented auditorium with gilded balconies, a painted ceiling, and crimson velvet.
• Guided Tours: Regular tours allow visitors to explore backstage areas and the royal box.

History

Designed by Joaquín de Rucoba and inaugurated in 1890, the theatre was damaged by a major flood in 1983 and subsequently restored. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and remains the cultural heart of the city.

Visitor Tips

• Check the programme online — tickets for popular shows sell out quickly.
• Guided tours run on Saturdays and are available in Spanish and Basque.
• Duration: 30 minutes (tour) or 2+ hours (performance).