Teatro del Bosque

Teatro del Bosque is a municipal theatre in Móstoles, a city just south of Madrid in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Surrounded by gardens, the venue takes its name - literally "Theatre of the Forest" - from its wooded setting, and today it stands as one of the city's main cultural landmarks.

How far back does Móstoles's theatre tradition go?

Staged performances have a long history in Móstoles, dating back to the 16th century. From 1876, the town had a dedicated theatre-casino building on what was then Hospital Street, now known as Colón Street. Its first decade was particularly lively, and the venue kept running right up until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War brought that chapter to a close.

When was the current building built?

The present-day Teatro del Bosque dates from the turn of the millennium. Architectural plans were drawn up in January 1998, with construction starting the following year, in 1999. The building formally opened on 8 March 2003, with the Compañía Lírica staging "Mefistófeles" as the inaugural production. Ever since, the theatre has remained one of the clearest symbols of the city's modern identity.

Who designed the building and its gardens?

Architect Miguel Verdú designed the theatre itself, while the surrounding gardens were laid out by Javier Mariscal, a designer and artist recognised well beyond Spain. Móstoles' town council wanted a flexible, contemporary venue capable of hosting both theatrical productions and municipal events - a building that would also reflect the city's push toward modernisation.

How many people can the auditorium hold?

The auditorium seats 646 people, making it one of the larger stages in the wider Madrid region outside the capital itself. That capacity supports everything from smaller community events to full-scale theatrical and musical productions, making the venue a versatile cultural hub for both residents and visitors to Móstoles.

What is happening to the gardens around the theatre today?

The gardens Javier Mariscal designed have surrounded the building since it opened, meaning they have spent more than two decades exposed to rain, sun and wind with no real shelter. Because of this, Móstoles' town council has announced plans to renovate and better protect the grounds, so the setting around the theatre can keep serving residents for decades to come in a condition matching the auditorium itself.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Teatro del Bosque located? In Móstoles, a city south of Madrid, at approximately 40.324 N, 3.870 W.

Could this be confused with another theatre of the same name? Yes - "Teatro del Bosque" is a name shared by venues in other Spanish towns, so it's worth double-checking that any information refers to the Móstoles theatre specifically.

When did the current building open? On 8 March 2003, with a performance of "Mefistófeles" by the Compañía Lírica.

Who designed the building and its grounds? Architect Miguel Verdú designed the building; the gardens were designed by Javier Mariscal.

How many seats does the theatre have? 646.