Petruzzelli Theatre

Theatre in Bari

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Fabio Cianciola (il sottoscritto)

The Petruzzelli Theatre is the largest in Bari and the fourth largest in Italy, located in the heart of the city. The theatre’s story began in 1896 when Onofrio and Antonio Petruzzelli, merchants and shipowners from Bari, presented plans for its construction to the city, which were designed by engineer Angelo Cicciomessere. After the city agreed to the project, construction began in 1898, fully funded by the Petruzzelli family, and the theatre opened its doors in 1903 with a performance of “The Huguenots” by Giacomo Meyerbeer. The theatre quickly became a cultural landmark, known for its opulent interior, which included gold decorations, frescoes by Raffaele Armenise, and advanced amenities like heating and electric lighting, making it the largest theatre in Apulia at the time.

Throughout its history, the Petruzzelli Theatre has hosted an array of significant performances and artists, ranging from operas and ballets to concerts by international stars like Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli. Declared a “Monument of historical and artistic interest” after World War II, the theatre has been a central part of Bari’s cultural life. However, in 1991, the theatre was devastated by a fire, leading to years of legal battles and reconstruction efforts. Finally, in 2009, the theatre reopened, restored to its former glory, and continues to serve as a major venue for cultural events in Bari. Despite ownership disputes, the theatre remains a symbol of the city’s resilience and dedication to the arts.

The Petruzzelli Theatre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bari!

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