Teatro Reina Victoria

Teatro Reina Victoria is one of the historic theatres in central Madrid, standing on Carrera de San Jerónimo just a short walk from Puerta del Sol and the Barrio de las Letras. For more than a century its stage has hosted plays, and the building itself is a recognisable landmark on Madrid's cultural map.

Where is Teatro Reina Victoria and how do you get there?

The theatre sits at Carrera de San Jerónimo 24, right in the heart of the city. The easiest way to reach it is by metro — the nearest station is Sevilla (line 2), only a few minutes' walk from the entrance. Sol station, served by lines 1, 2 and 3, is another convenient option, with a short walk through the lively streets of the centre leading straight to the theatre. Cercanías commuter trains C3 and C4 also stop nearby, along with several city bus routes. Given the central location, it's worth arriving on foot and combining the visit with a stroll around the surrounding squares and cafés.

What is the history behind this theatre?

The building went up in 1916 on the site of an old English-style beer hall, which was demolished to make room for the new stage. The grand opening took place on 10 June 1916, attended by the Spanish royal couple, King Alfonso XIII and his wife, Queen Victoria Eugenie, after whom the theatre was named. That same evening, a play by Blasco Soler and Asensio Mas received its premiere on the newly built stage.

Name changes through turbulent times

The theatre's story mirrors the turbulent history of Spain itself. When the Second Republic was proclaimed, the venue operated for a time under the name "Victoria." In October 1936 it was renamed in honour of playwright Joaquín Dicenta. Only after the end of the Spanish Civil War was the original name restored, and it has carried it ever since.

What should you know about the architecture?

The façade is among the most distinctive of Madrid's theatre buildings, decorated with stained-glass windows crafted by the Maumejean workshop and mosaics in the style of Talavera ceramics. Inside, the auditorium seats more than 600 spectators, making it one of the larger stages in the city centre. In its early decades the theatre staged mainly operettas and zarzuelas, a genre of Spanish musical theatre, before its repertoire evolved toward what is known as "alta comedia" — sophisticated comedy of manners.

What can you see on stage today?

Over the decades, playwrights such as Rafael Alberti, Jacinto Benavente, Antonio Buero Vallejo, Antonio Gala, Miguel Mihura, and both Antonio and Manuel Machado have had their works staged at Teatro Reina Victoria — names that hold a lasting place in the history of Spanish drama. Since September 2020, the theatre has been managed by Pentación Espectáculos under the direction of Jesús Cimarro, ensuring continuity of programming and a consistently high artistic standard.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Teatro Reina Victoria located? At Carrera de San Jerónimo 24, in the very centre of Madrid, close to Puerta del Sol.

Which metro station is closest? Sevilla station (line 2) is the nearest; Sol station (lines 1, 2 and 3) is a convenient alternative.

Where does the theatre's name come from? From Queen Victoria Eugenie, wife of Alfonso XIII, who attended the theatre's grand opening in 1916.

How many people does the auditorium hold? The theatre seats more than 600 spectators.