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Most Famous Theater Places in The World

Visiting live theater cannot be compared to any other live experience; it’s the captivating anticipation before the performance starts and the pure delight when actors immerse you in their story. 

Theaters should not be equated with cinemas, as the latter often lack dynamism and are monotonous. Live actor movements on stage, genuine emotions, and unfolding stories right before your eyes simply cannot leave you indifferent.

Interestingly, many architects unleash their creativity to create the most beautiful theaters for live performances. 

We have compiled a selection of the most beautiful theaters in the world, located in Central Europe, the Far East, and even in Australia. Each theater in our selection is a symbol of grandeur, beauty, and uniqueness. It serves as an ideal stage for artists, awakening their vivid emotions and compelling them to share them with the audience.

1. Burgtheater in Austria

This is one of Vienna’s central cultural buildings and houses Austria’s national theater. The theater was founded in the early 1800s but relocated several times until it settled in the Burgtheater. 

During World War II, the building was heavily damaged but was successfully restored and continues to function to this day. 

The main feature of this theater is its memorable facade adorned with figures of famous playwrights, including Shakespeare. The theater’s interior is also unique, with ceilings adorned with paintings by Gustav Klimt.

If you find yourself in Vienna, don’t forget to visit the local casinos, whose buildings also exude grandeur, or you can always play roulette online if you prefer the comfort of home after the theater.

2. Amphitheater Al Hoor Fakkan

This building has become a true embodiment of Eastern art in architecture. The architect managed to create a real marvel here, successfully combining classical elements with modern motifs. 

Today, the amphitheater is one of the main attractions of the United Arab Emirates. If you happen to be in Sharjah, make sure to visit this majestic building. It was first opened to audiences in December 2020, and within a few months, it became the official image on the 10 dirham banknote.

Another distinctive feature of the building is its size—it covers an area of 190,000 square meters. As a result, up to 3,600 spectators can watch a theatrical performance simultaneously inside.

3. National Center for the Performing Arts

From handmade and classical styles, we move on to a truly futuristic theater located in Beijing, China. Among locals and visitors alike, the theater has long been known as the “Giant Egg” due to its unusual exterior. 

Before you stands a dome-shaped building made of glass and metal, surrounded by an artificially created lake. 

The construction of the theater lasted a full 5 years, officially opening its doors in 2007. Interestingly, the interior is divided into zones: an opera house, a regular theater stage, and a concert hall where world-class artists frequently perform.

4. Minack Theatre

Located in Cornwall, United Kingdom, the main feature of this theatre is its open-air stone structure. 

A performance on such a stage leaves no one indifferent. Minack was built by artist and builder Rowena Cade right on the steep cliffs. 

She did all the work by hand and dedicated her entire life to this endeavor. Construction began in 1929 and continued until Cade’s death in 1983. This theatre is quite popular not only among English spectators but also among tourists from around the world. 

Every year, it attracts over 250,000 visitors. If you’re interested in performances on stage, plan your trip between May and September, as shows are only staged during this period.

5. Palace of Fine Arts

This is one of the central cultural buildings located in the capital of Mexico. The architect designed a magnificent facade made of luxurious and expensive white marble. 

Inside, visitors can enjoy not only theatrical performances but also paintings by the most famous Mexican artists. 

Similar to the Beijing theater, the interior space here is divided into three zones—within one space, you can simultaneously visit the National Museum of Architecture, the National Theater, and art spaces exhibiting contemporary works of art.

6. Sydney Opera House

Arguably one of the most famous theatrical buildings worldwide, even if you’ve never been to Sydney, you’ve likely seen the local opera house in pictures. The building was constructed in 1973, blending architectural artistry with a unique artistic vision by architect Jørn Utzon. 

The sail-like exterior was designed to harmonize the opera house with the surrounding harbor environment, achieving near-perfect harmony between modern art and nature. Interestingly, Utzon only worked on the opera house’s facade; after a change in the Australian government, architect Peter Hall completed the project. 

Today, the interior seamlessly combines various materials—concrete, wood, glass, metal—and the space is divided into several performance venues.

7. La Scala

Rounding out our list of the world’s best theaters is La Scala, located in Milan, Italy. The theater opened its doors to audiences in 1778, hosting numerous significant events and theatrical performances over its existence. 

The building’s facade is executed in a Neoclassical style, truly captivating and drawing the eye. 

Before entering and enjoying a theatrical performance, you’ll spend a long time admiring the building itself. In the 2000s, the theater underwent extensive reconstruction; today, its interior halls represent a luxurious golden space with accents in red velvet.

Conclusion

If you plan to visit any of the places mentioned above, be sure to explore these theatrical venues we’ve described to you. Even if you can’t catch a show, appreciating the local architecture is well worth your time.