Teatre Municipal de Banyoles

Teatre Municipal de Banyoles is the main municipal theatre of Banyoles, in Girona province, Catalonia, and the region's principal venue for drama, music and dance.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The building stands on Carrer Pere Alsius, right next to the town hall, in the heart of Banyoles. It's only a few minutes' walk from Plaça Major and the old town, and about a fifteen-minute stroll from the Estany de Banyoles lake. That central position makes it easy to combine an evening show with a day spent exploring the historic centre.

What's the story behind the building?

The theatre opened its doors on 10 April 1995. Its architectural concept came from Banyoles-based designer Lluís Pau, who planned the space specifically for the performing arts. Barely six months after the inauguration, in September 1995, the adjoining Aula de Teatre drama school was founded under actor and director Xicu Masó, set up to give local residents grounding in theatre, music and other stage disciplines.

What can you expect to see inside?

The hall covers roughly 700 square metres and seats 249 people, keeping performances intimate while preserving good acoustics. The programme mixes theatre, concerts, dance, circus, talks, book presentations and film screenings. It is the only venue in the Pla de l'Estany district with a stable, year-round programme, running from October through June. The theatre also works alongside other cultural spaces in town, including the Auditori de l'Ateneu and La Factoria d'Arts Escèniques, forming a joint network for the performing arts in Banyoles. It additionally features as a venue within Temporada Alta, one of Catalonia's leading theatre festivals.

When should you plan your visit?

The regular season runs from October to June, so that stretch of the year offers the best chance of catching a show. Programming typically pauses over summer, so it's worth checking the municipal culture website before travelling. Tickets for bigger events, especially those tied to Temporada Alta, sell out fast given the venue's limited seating, so booking ahead is advisable.

Is it worth combining with sightseeing?

Definitely. The theatre's closeness to the town hall, Plaça Major and the Estany de Banyoles lake means an evening performance fits naturally into a day spent wandering the old quarter and the lakeside path. It's a convenient stop for travellers looking to pair culture with the Pla de l'Estany landscape.

Frequently asked questions

How many seats does the Teatre Municipal de Banyoles have? The auditorium seats 249 people across roughly 700 square metres.

When did the theatre open? It was inaugurated on 10 April 1995, designed by Lluís Pau.

How far is the theatre from the town centre? It sits right beside the town hall, a few minutes on foot from Plaça Major and the old quarter, and about fifteen minutes' walk from the Estany de Banyoles lake.

What kind of events are staged there? The programme covers theatre, music, dance and circus, plus talks, book launches and film screenings, mainly during the October-to-June season. The venue is also one of the stages used by the Temporada Alta festival.