Teatro Jordão

Teatro Jordão is a landmark theatre building in the centre of Guimarães, Portugal, dating from the late 1930s. Today it serves both as a performance venue and as a home for arts education, and it is one of the notable cultural addresses of northern Portugal.

What is the story behind Teatro Jordão?

The theatre opened on 20 November 1938. Its first official name was Teatro Martins Sarmento, imposed by a political decision announced only days before the ceremony. The driving force was Bernardino Jordão (1868–1940), a businessman holding the electricity concession for Guimarães. He commissioned architect and civil engineer Júlio José de Brito (1896–1965), best known for the Rivoli Theatre in Porto, to design the building and run construction.

After the founder died in 1940, the house took his surname, which it still carries. It replaced the Teatro D. Afonso Henriques, the city's main entertainment venue since 1853.

What is inside the building today?

A major rehabilitation, costing roughly 12 million euros, joined the theatre with the neighbouring Garagem Avenida into a single complex. It now houses the University of Minho's school of visual arts, performing arts and music, plus the Guimarães Conservatory's music school. The hall again hosts events for the city while the historic architecture has been kept. The project was recognised in the 10th National Urban Rehabilitation Award (PNRU).

Why visit?

• It is a 1930s Portuguese theatre by the architect behind Porto's Rivoli.
• It shows how heritage can be combined with a modern educational role.
• Its central location makes it easy to pair with a walk through historic Guimarães, often called the birthplace of Portugal.

How do I get there?

The theatre stands in downtown Guimarães, within walking distance of the old town and Largo da Oliveira. Trains and buses from Porto take a little over an hour, followed by a short walk. Check the city or theatre websites for the current programme and box office hours before you go.

Frequently asked questions

When did Teatro Jordão open? On 20 November 1938, under the name Teatro Martins Sarmento.

Where does the name Jordão come from? From Bernardino Jordão, the businessman who started the project. The building was named after him following his death in 1940.

Who designed it? Júlio José de Brito, an architect and engineer who also created the Rivoli Theatre in Porto.

Is there a school in the building? Yes. Since the rehabilitation it houses the University of Minho's arts school and the Guimarães Conservatory's music school.