This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. See our Disclosure policy.
The outside of Guanajuato’s Teatro Juarez (Juarez Theater) blew us away.
We had foolishly decided to walk from our hotel – the lovely Quinta Las Acacias – to the historical center in Guanajuato, a gem of a colonial city in Mexico. Some TripAdvisor reviews noted it was only a 20-minute walk. But we didn’t know our way around, so it took us over an hour. (Mind you, it was a pleasant walk.)
Teatro Juarez
And then, as we entered the pedestrian-only historical zone and turned a corner, there it was! Teatro Juarez – the ornate Guanajuato theater we’d read about and couldn’t wait to see.
Dating back to 1873, it’s decorated on the outside with Greek columns and lion sculptures.
On top, the roof is crowned with eight bronze statues of the Greek mythological muses.
Inside the Juarez Theater is also worth a look
The carpet is worn from constant use (people still watch performances in the theater). And the seating seems a bit crammed-in.
But the red-and-gold interior (plush velvet curtains, red leather covered chairs) certainly reflects the lavish tastes of Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz, who inaugurated the theater.
Back outside, we joined the university students and others (locals and visitors alike) sitting on the wide expanse of steps leading up to the Juarez Theater.
Perched there, we basked in the sunshine and the glorious lookout over the Jardin Union – the triangular plaza in Guanajuato’s center, fringed by gnarled ancient laurel trees, their deep-green crowns trimmed square to shade pedestrians on the sidewalk just below.
Gazing at the outdoor cafes and shops that ring the plaza and the bustle of people walking past, we felt as though we’d been transported to the Spanish Steps in Rome.
Only the Spanish spoken all around us reminded us that we were in Mexico. In Guanajuato. At the Teatro Juarez.
Where to stay in Guanajuato? We loved the Quinta Las Acacias – read next…
Visiting the Teatro Juarez, Guanajuato
Hours: The theater is only open to visitors when no performances are scheduled. Opening hours are 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm, Tues-Sun (closed Mondays).
Admission: A song! Okay, seriously, about 30 pesos ($2.50 USD) to peek inside. If you get tickets to a show, you might only pay some 100 pesos.
More information: If you can read Spanish, here’s the website.
Read some of our other posts about Guanajuato and colonial Mexico
Death on Display at Guanajuato’s Mummy Museum
Corinne
Monday 31st of March 2014
Stunning! I would love to visit the theater...gorgeous.
Heather - the kiwi travel writer
Wednesday 26th of March 2014
great piece about a fab building .. my bucket list just added another place to it as we would love to go there
Josie
Wednesday 26th of March 2014
Hi Janice and George, When an article focuses on one facet, the concentrated look allows us to really see and enjoy. Thank you for doing just that! Guanajuato and the Juarez Theater look lovely. And I love that you shared the photo of Irene in the comments! Sweet! Josie
Patti Morrow
Tuesday 25th of March 2014
Wow, what an absolutely stunning theater! I love the architecture and décor inside. I prefer performances in these magnificent old gems over the new, aesthetically-cold convention centers any day!
Michele Peterson
Tuesday 25th of March 2014
Guanajuato is such a beautiful city. It's great to see its beauty being recognized and the Jardin Union square looks very lush in your photo. Nice shot of Irene in the Alley of the Kiss - I'm assuming that's Jerry with her and not the tour guide :-)