The Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, a focal point of Funchal’s vibrant cultural scene, stands as a monument of great significance, exuding elegance in the heart of the city. Its historical and architectural value, coupled with its diverse programming, make it a noteworthy attraction.

In response to the demolition of the Teatro Grande in 1833, the people of Madeira advocated for a new theatre, leading to the inauguration of the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias on March 11, 1888. Modelled after the Italian design seen in São Carlos Theatre, Lisbon, and La Scala Theatre, Milan, it underwent various name changes before being officially named ‘Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias’ in 1935, in homage to the blind Madeiran playwright and poet from the 16th century.

The architectural finesse of the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre, characterized by its balance, is complemented by the decorative and scenographic contributions of renowned artists Luigi Manini from Italy and Eugénio do Nascimento Cotrim from Portugal. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark on the Portuguese cultural scene.

The Baltazar Dias Theatre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Nearby Attractions

• Blandy's Wine Lodge (0.1) km
  Wine Cellar in Funchal (Madeira)
• São Lourenço Palace Museum (0.1) km
  Museum and Palace in Funchal (Madeira)
• Madeira Military Museum (0.1) km
  Museum in Funchal (Madeira)
• Statue of Joao Goncalves Zarco (0.2) km
  Statue in Funchal (Madeira)
• Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente's (0.2) km
  Museum in Funchal (Madeira)
• Natural History Museum of Funchal (0.3) km
  Museum in Funchal (Madeira)
• Sé Catedral do Funchal (0.3) km
  Cathedral in Funchal (Madeira)
• Capela de São Luís de Tolosa (Funchal) (0.4) km
  Church in Funchal (Madeira)
• Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas (0.4) km
  Museum in Funchal (Madeira)
• Jardim de Santa Catarina (0.4) km
  Gardens in Funchal (Madeira)