Overview:

The Sauto Theater is located in the city of Matanzas, the capital of the western province of Cuba. Built in 1868, the Sauto Theater is the oldest operating theater in Cuba and one of the most important examples of 19th century neoclassical architecture in the country. It is often fondly referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’. The theater is named after prominent Cuban politician Manuel Sauto. It has been the venue for different activities, such as zarzuelas, theater plays, musicals, concerts, and movie premieres. The theater has the grandiose looks of the ‘old world’ with its detailed interior decor featuring carvings, frescoes, and murals. The theater is open to the public and tickets can be purchased from the theater’s box office. It is also the location of the annual International Ballet Festival. The theater remains an influential part of the cultural and artistic life of the Matanzas province and Cuba. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

- Built in 1908 - One of Cuba’s oldest theaters - Now a National Monument - Hosts plays, concerts, dance and cinema - Neoclassical-style building - Has ornate facade decorated with sculptures and columns - Features include an open-air stage and acoustically friendly interior - 300 person capacity - Ornate boxes on each side of the balconies - Located in the center of Matanzas City This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The origins of the Sauto Theater date back to the town of Matanzas, Cuba in 1838. The theater has been a symbol of Cuban culture for over two centuries. The Sauto Collection was founded by Spanish businessman Don Jacobo Sauto Guillot, who arrived in Matanzas in 1840 to establish a textile factory. In 1845, Sauto purchased a piece of land and built the original theater on it. The new theater was the first in the region and conformed to the architecture of the time, with high arches, a series of small balconies, and a round dome at the top of the building – a classic example of neoclassical architecture. In 1862, Sauto expanded the theater to a larger size that included a vestibule, a lobby, and a number of large galleries. Also, the theater was outfitted with modern lighting and an automated rolling curtain made of silk that opened and closed at the end of each act. From then onwards, the theater became known as one of the most important cultural spaces in the country and was soon host to famous visitors such as American President Theodore Roosevelt. Since its inauguration, the theater has welcomed a great number of shows and performances, turning it into a symbol of Cuban culture. Many of Cuba’s most famous musicians and actors have performed on its stage, including Ernesto Lecuona, Miguel Matamoros, and Bebo Valdés. In 1957, the theater underwent major renovations that included new seat installations, a larger orchestra pit, and alterations of the lobby’s architecture. In the early 1990s, the theater experienced a number of restoration efforts, giving the building back some of its oldest and most valuable landscapes. Today, the theater continues to host different forms of arts and is still one of Cuba’s most important cultural landmarks. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. Sauto Theater in Matanzas, Cuba, was built in 1868 by architects Federico María Abrains and Tomás Ollivier. 2. The theater is the oldest in Cuba and one of the oldest in Latin America, and is the only one with the style of neo-classic French architecture. 3. The theater has a capacity of 1,253 spectators and is considered a cultural landmark of the historic city of Matanzas. 4. Sauto Theater became part of the National Association of Historic Buildings in 1976 and was declared a National Monument of Cuba in 1988. 5. The theater has been the scene of many important performances of music and dance, including performances by the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, the Matanzas Ballet, and the Havana Lyric Opera. 6. The theater has also hosted world famous musicians such as Bizet, Gershwin, Strauss, and Arlen. 7. Since its opening in 1868, the theater has undergone several restorations to maintain its beauty and preserve its original architecture. 8. In 2008, the theater underwent a $2.6 million renovation where new lights, acoustics, and other equipment were added to improve its performance capabilities. 9. Today, Sauto Theater is the main venue for the annual Festival Internacional de La Trova, which is held in Matanzas each year to celebrate traditional Cuban music. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.