El Teatro Juárez

The Teatro Juárez de Guanajuato is a historic theater dating from the late nineteenth century located in the Mexican city of Guanajuato in the state of the same name, in Mexico. The site was built from 1872 to 1903 by the architect José Noriega, commissioned by General Florencio Antillón, and later completed by Mexican architect Antonio Rivas and engineer Alberto Malo. Those who made several renovations that completely changed their original appearance both in the exterior and interior.

The enclosure is one of the most recognized historical theaters. Its peak season occurred at the end of the 19th century until the outbreak of the war of the Mexican Revolution at the beginning of the 20th century, being an important forum for artistic activity where distinguished exponents of the era performed. The theater receives its name in homage to the liberal politician and intellectual Benito Juárez.

The Juarez Theater has hosted the Cervantino International Festival, since 1972.

The building that is currently the Juarez Theater, was in times past before its construction the first convent of barefoot Franciscans in the city of Guanajuato, of which only existed on the site the Baroque San Diego temple and some chapels attached to the Holy Christ of Burgos and the Immaculate Conception.

It was built by the architect José Noriega, commissioned by General Florencio Antillón, and later, General Manuel González, governor of the state, was the promoter of the work and commissioned the work by architect Antonio Rivas and engineer Alberto Malo. At the death of General González, the licensed Joaquín Obregón González, the new governor of the state, was the sponsor of the construction. It was inaugurated on October 27, 1903 by President Porfirio Díaz. The event presented for the occasion was the opera Aída, by Giuseppe Verdi, by the Italian company Empresa Ettore Drog y Cía., Directed by Napoleón Sieni and Giorgio Polaco.

Architecturally, the theater is a sample of the eclecticism that prevailed in the public constructions of the time. Its Roman-inspired Doric peristyle stands out. The show room follows the models of the European halls; It has a horseshoe shape, with four orders of boxes and general locations; its interior decoration is oriental style.