Teatre Principal

Teatre Principal is the oldest and most important theatre in Palma de Mallorca, standing right at the heart of the Balearic capital. For nearly four centuries it has been the focal point of the island's stage life, hosting everything from comedy to opera, zarzuela and contemporary dance.

Where did this theatre come from?

The story of the venue goes back to 1667, when a citizen institution of the city founded the "Casa de les Comèdies," a house of comedic performances that would eventually evolve into today's building. Over the following two centuries the site changed names and shapes several times before becoming the institution recognised today.

What happened to the building over the years?

The theatre's history has been anything but calm. After a fire destroyed the earlier structure in the mid-19th century, a new building was erected on the same site and opened in 1857 under the name Teatro de la Princesa. A year later, during a performance of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" set to music by Verdi, another fire broke out after the fifth show and severely damaged the building. The reconstructed theatre reopened in 1860 as Teatro del Príncipe de Asturias, and only from 1868 onward did it take the name still used today, Teatre Principal.

What can visitors see today?

The current building is the result of a major renovation carried out between 2001 and 2007, during which all artistic activity moved temporarily to other venues around the city. Once the works were complete, the theatre returned to its original site in a restored and modernised form. Today Teatre Principal functions as Mallorca's leading public performing-arts institution, staging more than 120 events per season, including drama, dance, concerts, zarzuela and opera.

Who is this theatre for?

The programme is varied enough to appeal both to opera purists and to visitors more interested in contemporary theatre or dance. It is a venue where locals and island visitors mix in the same audience, and tickets for evening performances are open to residents and tourists alike.

How do you get to Teatre Principal?

The theatre sits right in the centre of Palma de Mallorca, within walking distance of the old town's main landmarks, making it an easy stop while exploring the capital. Its coordinates are 39.57172 N, 2.65083 E, so reaching it on foot or by local transport from anywhere in the centre is straightforward.

When is the best time to plan a visit?

The artistic season runs for most of the year, with the richest programme in autumn, winter and spring, when most opera premieres and concerts take place. It is worth checking the current programme before travelling, since tickets for popular shows tend to sell out quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Is Teatre Principal the same as the theatres of the same name in Barcelona or Valencia? No. Despite the identical or near-identical name, the Teatre Principal in Palma de Mallorca is a separate institution, unrelated to the Teatro/Teatre Principal venues operating under the same name in other Spanish-speaking cities, such as Barcelona, Valencia or Zaragoza.

How old is the theatre? The stage tradition on this site dates back to 1667, although the current building dates from the 19th century and was rebuilt more than once after fires.

Was the theatre closed in recent years? Yes, between 2001 and 2007 it underwent a major renovation. During that time performances were held at other venues around the city, and the theatre returned to its historic home once the work was finished.

What kind of programme can visitors expect? The season includes drama, dance, concerts, zarzuela and opera, adding up to more than 120 cultural events per year.