Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theatre
Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán | |
Facade on Carrera Séptima. | |
Interactive map of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theatre | |
| Address | Carrera 7 No. 22–47 Bogotá Colombia |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,685 people (in the main hall) 54 (in the small theatre) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1938 |
| Architect | Bernardo Vieco |
The Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theatre is a theatre in Bogotá, located in the Santa Fe locality on Carrera Séptima. It was inaugurated in 1938 as Teatro Colombia and adopted its current name in 1973. This is a tribute to Jorge Eliécer Gaitán.[1] It is currently managed by the Instituto Distrital de las Artes (IDARTES.)[2]
History
The Gaitán Theatre occupies the central area of the block between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, and Twenty-second and Twenty-third Streets, in the northern area of the Santa Fe locality in downtown Bogotá.
Its design began in 1938 and was led by architect Richard Aeck, from the American firm Fred T. Ley, which also built the Pedro A. López building on the Environmental Axis. It was inaugurated on June 20, 1940 with the name Teatro Colombia.[3]
In 1973 the Mayor's Office of Bogotá acquired it and named it after the liberal leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán. Between 1996 and 1997 it was renovated. In the late 2000s it was also closed to adapt its structure to the seismic risks that the city presents.[1]
It has hosted artists such as Lindsey Stirling, Passenger, Joan Manuel Serrat, Lila Downs, among others.
Architecture
The theatre is located on a rectangular lot that is accessed through a wide lobby. Its entrance doors are made of wood and constitute a curved decoration, which faces Carrera Séptima.[3]
From the interior section of the lobby, two staircases lead to the upper floors. The orchestra is divided into three sections, and is accessed through four aisles: two lateral, and two central.[4]
Both the interior decoration and the stone-clad facade are in art deco style. In the latter, the five allegorical bas-reliefs by sculptor Bernardo Vieco stand out, representing tragedy, music, film, dance and comedy, that is, the muses of fine arts. By the same author are the fifteen reliefs decorated with plant motifs, which are located in three bands in the upper half of the building, separated by vertical stone planes.
References
- ^ a b "Cincuenta años del Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, icono de las artes escénicas en Bogotá". Eskaparate. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán". IDARTES. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ a b "Un teatro de corte liberal". University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Treading the boards: Theatre, concerts and cultural activities in Bogota". Uncover Colombia. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2025.