Teatro Olimpico

Historic Building and Theater in Vicenza

Teatro Olimpico
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Miriam-36100

The Teatro Olimpico (“Olympic Theatre”) is a theatre in Vicenza, northern Italy, constructed in 1580–1585. The theatre was the final design by the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and was not completed until after his death. The trompe-l’œil onstage scenery, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, to give the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon, was installed in 1585 for the first performance held in the theatre, and is the oldest surviving stage set still in existence. The full Roman-style scaenae frons back screen across the stage is made from wood and stucco imitating marble. It was the home of the Accademia Olimpica, which was founded there in 1555.

The Teatro Olimpico is, along with the Teatro all’antica in Sabbioneta and the Teatro Farnese in Parma, one of only three Renaissance theatres remaining in existence. Both these theatres were based, in large measure, on the Teatro Olimpico. It is still used several times a year.

Since 1994 the Teatro Olimpico, together with other Palladian buildings in and around Vicenza, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto”.

Visiting Teatro Olimpico

Hours:

9am-5pm Tue-Sun Sep-Jun, 10am-6pm Jul & Aug


Price:

adult/reduced €11/8, or free with MuseumCard

Address: Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Matteotti, Vicenza, Province of Vicenza, Italy
Duration: 20 minutes

Tours and Activities from Vicenza

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Theater in Newcastle upon Tyne

Theatre Royal, Newcastle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christopher Down

The Theatre Royal is a historic theater in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The Theatre Royal is one of only 9 Grade I listed theater halls in England. It first opened its doors in February 1837 on Newcastle’s Grey Street. It underwent a large renovation after a fire following a showing of Macbeth in 1899. The renovation work saw the entire auditorium re-designed by one of the most iconic theatre architects, Frank Matcham.

It is one of the city’s best-known landmarks hosting a variety of shows, including musicals, drama, opera, ballet and Christmas pantomimes.

Visiting Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Address: 100 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6BR
Duration: 20 minutes

Tours and Activities from Newcastle upon Tyne