CubaPLUS Magazine

Today, Havana’s Teatro Martí captivates audiences with its renewed artistic and architectural brilliance.  

The painstaking restoration of Teatro Martí marks a major milestone for both the city's cultural scene and its tourism sector, distinguished by meticulous architectural craftsmanship that pays tribute to a bygone era.  

Named after José Martí, the Apostle of Cuban Independence and an iconic figure in the struggle against Spanish colonial rule, the venue—originally inaugurated as Teatro Irijoa—now exudes luxury down to the finest detail. Its grand halls, corridors, and stage reflect the glory days when Cuban bufo (traditional comic theater) reigned supreme.  

In its heyday, a prime downtown location paired with high-caliber performances crowned the theater as a cornerstone of Cuban culture. Today, this historic stage reemerges on Havana’s cultural landscape, enhanced by modernized design and state-of-the-art technology.  

First opening its doors on June 8, 1884, the building's exterior features a balanced rectangular facade crowned by a continuous cornice and a parapet adorned with decorative urns.  

It is an architectural gem both inside and out, where thoughtful details grant this house of the arts a unique character. Large, period-appropriate windows illuminate the structure, while a gabled roof and a pediment featuring a semicircular transom window at its center complete the facade.  

Yet the interior remains the true masterpiece—a testament to intelligent restoration that reflects the commitment of its builders to gift Havana one of its most iconic cultural landmarks.  

Cast-iron columns, polished marble floors, plush carpets, velvet drapes, mirrors, iron-framed orchestra seats, and period clocks combine to create a captivating atmosphere for a venue revived for the enjoyment of locals and international visitors alike.  

Inspired by modern technology, updated ventilation and acoustic systems ensure a comfortable experience. The architects designed the stalls floor (platea) at lobby level, allowing the space to transform seamlessly for dances and special events.  

From dressing rooms, costume workshops, and prop storage to a restaurant, an outdoor café, a landscaped garden, sculptures, and fountains, every element seems touched by a magic wand.  

Meticulously restored under the direction of the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana, Teatro Martí stands as an invaluable historic landmark of immense architectural and cultural wealth—an essential stop for travelers, even outside performance hours.  

(Taken from Prensa Latina)