The Carlos Gomes Theatre
The Carlos Gomes Theater is one of the most traditional cultural venues in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is located in the city center, at Praça Tiradentes, formerly Praça da Constituição, a site that has been home to various cultural and entertainment establishments since the late 19th century.
The Carlos Gomes Theatre on the night of a performance
In the second half of the 19th century, Rio de Janeiro experienced a period of cultural effervescence, driven by urban population growth, particularly in the city’s central area. In this scenario, entertainment emerged as a promising and lucrative industry.
Facade of the Theatre in 1928
The venue was inaugurated in 1872 under the name Theatro Casino Franco-Brésilien, primarily showcasing café-concert performances to entertain guests of the neighboring Hotel Richelieu. After nearly a decade, it was sold and, on 29 October, 1880, reopened as Theatro Sant´Anna. Even at that time, it was one of the most important cultural venues in the city and was even frequented by the Brazilian Imperial Family.
The evening program for 15 July 1889 – Gazeta de Notícias /Brazilian Digital Newspaper Archive – FBN
A historical incident took place at Theatro Sant´Anna on 15 July, 1889. Amid tension between monarchists and republicans, Dom Pedro II was the target of an assassination attempt as he left a performance. That evening, the Emperor had attended a performance of the comedy School for Husbands by the French playwright Molière. He was with his wife, Dona Teresa Cristina, Princess Isabel, and his grandson, Prince Pedro Augusto. As he left the theater, there was a group of protesters demonstrating against the monarch, and shortly afterwards, his carriage was fired at with a revolver. The vehicle wasn´t hit.
Cover of Revista Illustrada, 20 July, 1889, depicting the assassination attempt/ Brazilian Digital Newspaper Archive – FBN
After the death of its owner, Theatro Sant’Anna was sold to the businessman, Paschoal Segreto who was a prominent figure in the country’s entertainment industry. He renamed it Theatro Carlos Gomes in 1905, in honor of the renowned Brazilian composer and author of O Guarani. Under Segreto’s management, the theater expanded its activities, adding a bar featuring the popular Brahma-brand tables and chairs, as well as a small amusement park called Tiro Federal.
Originally built in the Neoclassical style, the building underwent numerous modifications, both internal and external, over the years. The most significant changes were due to fires that damaged the theater. The biggest one, in 1929, nearly destroyed the entire building and it was completely rebuilt in the Art Deco style. Two other fires occurred between the 1950s and 1960s, causing minor damage limited to the interior areas.
Fachada do novo prédio, após a reforma. 1932
In the 1980s, the theater came close to being demolished to make way for a hotel. This prompted a petition for its preservation, given its historical and cultural significance. The protection order was approved in 1984. In 1988, the theater was purchased by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, restored, and reopened to the public in 1992.
Throughout the 20th century, the Carlos Gomes Theater established itself as one of the city’s main venues for the arts, largely due to the diversity of its programming, ranging from classical to popular performances.
Not only did the Carlos Gomes Theater host great Brazilian artists such as Vicente Celestino, Dulcina de Moraes, Celeste Aída, Dercy Gonçalves, Grande Otelo, and Procópio Ferreira, but it was also the stage for historic productions. These included My Fair Lady, Hello, Dolly!, and Gota D’Água, all starring Bibi Ferreira; A Raposa e as Uvas, with Sérgio Cardoso; A Mulher Sem Pecado by Nelson Rodrigues; and Miss Banana, featuring Regina Duarte.
Advertisement for the preview of My Fair Lady at the Carlos Gomes Theater. Diário de Notícias, 21 August, 1962/Brazilian Digital Newspaper Archive – FBN.
On its 150th anniversary in 2022, the theater was closed for renovations. After more than two years, it was reopened to the people of Rio de Janeiro, in July 2024.
