Thalia Theatre

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Domingos de Benfica

Location

The Thalia Theatre is located in Lisbon, in the parish of São Domingos de Benfica, in an area with an interesting contrast between the urban environment and an extensive green area. It is situated close to the Laranjeiras Palace, to which it was historically linked, and its surroundings offer a unique view over an extensive green area that includes the zoo.

A Stage with History

Inaugurated in 1843, this venue was originally known as Theatro das Laranjeiras, a private stage belonging to the 1st Count of Farrobo, a notorious figure of the 19th century and an arts enthusiast. Despite its more modest size, it quickly established itself as one of the most important venues in Lisbon's cultural scene at the time, hosting musical and theatrical performances that featured leading figures in the arts. In 1862, a fire destroyed a large part of the building, leaving only the facade standing and marking the end of an era of splendor.

From Past to Present: The Architectural Reconversion

After the 1862 fire, the Thalia Theatre remained in ruins for almost one hundred and fifty years. In the 21st century, the building underwent a remarkable architectural intervention. The old, preserved walls were enveloped by a monolithic structure of pigmented concrete, keeping the ruins untouched inside as an integral part of the architectural spectacle. An adjacent glass wing was added, housing reception and support areas, harmonizing the historical heritage with a contemporary language. The front facade was restored, including the neoclassical portico and the marble sphinxes that adorn the entrance, recreating its original dignity.

Symbols and Messages

On the main facade of the theatre, in the tympanum, one can observe a bronze inscription with the Latin words: "Hic Mores Hominum Castigantur". This phrase, which translates to "Here the customs of men are chastised", evokes the critical and reflective function that theatre, in its essence, plays in society. It is a direct reference to Thalia, the muse of comedy and bucolic poetry, but also to the power of art to mirror and question the human condition.

Space for Culture

Currently, the Thalia Theatre has been reborn as a multifaceted space, capable of adapting to various events. It serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural initiatives, notably as one of the performance locations for the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra. Its recovery has allowed for the revitalization of a property with deep historical and architectural value, reintroducing it into the city's cultural life and giving it a new dynamic.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt