More than three centuries of embellishment has given Brescia’s Teatro Grande its awe-inspiring appearance. Built in 1810 on the site of a theater dating back to 1664, Teatro Grande has long been an icon for the performing arts in Brescia. Discover the magnificent Foyer, Statue Room and Sala Grande to find out why the theater was declared a national monument in 1912.
Spend a moment appreciating Teatro Grande’s remarkable façade, which is aligned with its neighboring buildings to give the appearance of a colonnade. Gaspare Turbini and Antonio and Bertolo Vigliani designed the building in the mid-18th century. Four columns separate the building’s five entrances and draw the eye upward to the façade’s beautiful horizontal embossing.
Enter the building and climb the ornate staircase enclosed by paintings of the allegories of comedy and tragedy. Check out the enormous 19th-century glass windows as you make your way to the Statue Room. This exquisite gallery was completed in 1862 and features 16 plaster statues by Giuseppe Luzziardi and three bronze busts.
Wait for the theater doors to open in the venue’s Ridotto, or Foyer. This ornate room dates back to 1765 and features triple-tiered loggias embellished by intricate trompe-l’oeils, which give the appearance of a much larger space.
Take a seat in the Sala Grande and admire its original 19th-century design incorporating rich red highlights and a golden arch framing the stage. Seating is laid out in a horseshoe shape, with three levels of boxes and two galleries. Look up to admire the geometric gilded motifs and frescoes.
You might see classical or modern renditions of opera, dance or music recitals at the Teatro Grande. Book your tickets online or at the box office at the top of the entry stairway. Check online to find out about free events at the Teatro Grande.
The Teatro Grande is situated in Brescia’s Centro Storico (Historic Center). It is a 5-minute walk from the subway at Piazza della Vittoria and the parking lot at Piazza Mercato. The theater is closed during July and August however, guided tours are available on select dates in June, July and September. There is a small fee for guided tours, which are only available in Italian.