Teatre Poliorama

Teatre Poliorama is one of Barcelona's most recognizable theatres, standing right on La Rambla in the heart of the city.

Where does the building's history begin?

The venue first opened its doors on 13 April 1899 as Cine Martí, the first cinema in Barcelona purpose-built for showing films. The hall did not last long in that form and closed in 1903. After renovation work, it reopened on 10 December 1906 under the name Cine Poliorama, designed by architect Salvador Bofarull in a neoclassical style. For decades the space alternated between screening films and staging live performances, all within a single auditorium seating around 705 people, praised for its acoustics and clear sightlines from every row.

What happened here during the Spanish Civil War?

On 24 December 1937 the venue was converted fully into a theatre and renamed Teatre Català de la Comèdia. This period produced one of the building's best-known associations: British writer George Orwell described it in his book "Homage to Catalonia." During the May 1937 street fighting in Barcelona, Orwell took up a lookout position on the building's rooftop, watching the clashes unfold below on the streets. That episode has since become a fixed reference point for literary tours and Orwell admirers visiting the city.

How did the theatre evolve afterward?

From 1976 onward the building has operated exclusively as a live theatre. It was under the direction of Alfredo Matas at that point that it took on its current name, Teatre Poliorama. On 3 February 1985 the theatre reopened under new management, building a repertoire that has since combined mainstream comedies, musicals, children's shows and more serious dramatic works.

What can you expect to see today?

Today Teatre Poliorama runs a varied artistic program, ranging from classic plays and musicals to flamenco performances and cultural events aimed at families. The auditorium has kept its intimate scale and neoclassical decor, so a visit to a show doubles as a chance to take in a genuinely historic interior.

How do you get to Teatre Poliorama?

The theatre sits directly on La Rambla, one of Barcelona's most visited streets, close to Plaça de Catalunya. The location is well connected to the rest of the city, within easy walking distance of the Gothic Quarter, Ciutat Vella and El Raval. The nearest metro stations are Catalunya and Liceu, both served by multiple lines, which makes reaching the theatre straightforward from almost anywhere in Barcelona.

When is the best time to visit?

Timing largely depends on the current program, so it is worth checking the schedule before arriving, since the theatre regularly rotates plays, musicals and special events such as flamenco shows. Simply strolling along La Rambla to admire the building's facade is possible year-round, at any time of day.

Frequently asked questions

What was Teatre Poliorama originally? The building opened in 1899 as Barcelona's first cinema built specifically to screen films, operating under the name Cine Martí.

Why is Teatre Poliorama linked to George Orwell? Orwell described the building in "Homage to Catalonia" — during the May 1937 fighting in Barcelona he stood watch on its rooftop, observing the street clashes below.

Since when has it functioned purely as a theatre? It became a theatre exclusively in 1976, when under Alfredo Matas's direction it adopted the name Teatre Poliorama still used today.

How many people can the auditorium hold? The hall seats around 705 people and is noted for its good acoustics and clear views of the stage from any seat.