About this place
Teatro Nuevo Apolo is a performance venue in central Madrid, standing on Plaza de Tirso de Molina. Behind its unassuming facade lies a history stretching back to the early 1930s, when the building opened as a stage for zarzuela — Spain's home-grown blend of song, spoken dialogue and dance.
Where is Teatro Nuevo Apolo located?
The theatre sits on Plaza de Tirso de Molina, a square that carried the name Plaza del Progreso when the building first went up. Its position in the heart of Madrid places it within easy reach of the surrounding historic streets, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city centre on foot.
Why does it carry the name "Nuevo Apolo"?
The name is a direct tribute to an older venue, the original Teatro Apolo on Calle de Alcalá, which closed its doors in 1929. Rather than let the tradition disappear, its owners commissioned a replacement elsewhere in the city. The new building, first known as Teatro Progreso, would only later take on the name Nuevo Apolo, tying it back to its predecessor.
When did the theatre open?
Teatro Progreso opened on 10 December 1932. The inaugural performance was the zarzuela "La verbena de la Paloma," one of the best-known works in the genre and a fitting choice for launching a stage built to carry on Madrid's musical-theatre tradition.
How has the building's use changed over time?
The venue's story is not a straight line from opening night to today. At one stage the building was converted into a cinema, operating as Cine Progreso and showing films rather than staging live performances. It later returned to its theatrical roots, reopening as a stage dedicated once again to live entertainment — this time embracing not only drama but also music across different genres, dance and comedy.
What can visitors expect today?
Teatro Nuevo Apolo now operates as a multi-purpose entertainment venue. Its programme brings together theatre, concerts, dance productions and comedy shows, reflecting the mixed identity the building has built up since the days of Cine Progreso. For visitors, that means checking the current listings pays off, since the bill on any given night can range from a musical production to a stand-up act.
Frequently asked questions
When did Teatro Nuevo Apolo open? The building opened on 10 December 1932, at the time under the name Teatro Progreso.
What was performed on opening night? The venue launched with a staging of the zarzuela "La verbena de la Paloma."
Is this the same building as the old Teatro Apolo on Calle de Alcalá? No. The original Teatro Apolo on Calle de Alcalá closed in 1929. Its owners then built a new theatre on Plaza del Progreso, which later took the name Nuevo Apolo in honour of the earlier venue.
Has the building always functioned as a theatre? Not continuously. For a period it operated as a cinema, Cine Progreso, before returning to live theatrical and musical programming.
Where exactly is the theatre located? On Plaza de Tirso de Molina in central Madrid, on a square formerly known as Plaza del Progreso.
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