Valencia has a great arts environment! The city offers a wide range of theatres that suit all tastes.

New and established, resident and touring, there are plenty of programmes throughout the year. There are five major theatre spaces run by the Valencian government, some others private widely renowned in Spain, many smaller clubs which have performance on a regular basis and a café theatre scene.

It is highly recommended the purchase of tickets through Servientrada (Tel. 902 115 577 or 963 995 577) or through the Bancaja website (a Spanish bank), where you’ll find it very easy to look up the shows descriptions and times. Click here for details.

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is a majestic building which belong to the City of Arts and Sciences complex. Its sculpted form is highly symbolic, looking like a ship stranded in the old riverbed of the Turia River. This monumental landmark has become a dynamic feature of the urban area.

This Opera House has three different halls: including a main performance space (1,800 seats) that can act as a symphony orchestra concert hall or a ballet and theatre stage as well as opera venue. Another of the halls, the Aula Magistral (Master class room), has a capacity of 400 spectators and is designed for conferences, lectures, roundtables and children’s theatre.

The Upper Auditorium (Amphitheatre) has a capacity for more than 1,700 and can host special musical events with optical effects, artistic videos and pop music.

• Autopista del Saler, 1 / Phone: (+34) 963 163 737
• Website: www.lesarts.com
• See on Google Maps

Teatro Olympia

The private, family-owned theatre has just celebrated its 80th anniversary. It is the biggest independent theatre in Valencian Community and one of the most visited in Spain. The Olympia Theatre has always offered a wide variety of spectacles that range from the most traditional to the most modern (musicals, operas, and classical theater productions). With these principles and the quality of the theater itself, the theatre manages to attract a varied audience who all enjoy this great theater’s roominess and modern comforts. The entrance fee and schedule change according to the shows.

• San Vicente Mártir, 44 / Phone: (+34) 963 517 315
• Website: www.teatro-olympia.com
• See on Google Maps

Teatro Principal

Valencia’s oldest and most established theatre since 1832. It was designed by Filippo Fontana, the painter and architect from Bologne. The first stone of the theatre was placed in January, 1808, and after years of problems and delays in its construction, it was finally inaugurated with a presentation of a comedy dedicated to the exaltation of Luis XIV. The theatre has been recently restored, preserving the original wooden gold boxes characteristic of the era and retouching the interior artwork. As its name indicates, it’s the principal theatre in Valencia and it offers a varied programme of drama, opera, ballet and zarzuelas (Spanish operetta).

• Barcas, 15 / Phone: (+34) 963 539 200
• Website: teatres.gva.es
• See on Google Maps

Teatro Talia

Situated in the heart of the old city, the Barrio del Carmen, this old theater was formerly for the working class, showing popular operettas and theatre. It was bought and completely refurbished by the Valencian government.

Fortunately, the remodelling undertaken did not destroy the modernist decor, but in fact, served to highlight its beauty. Since its re-opening, it has become a much appreciated theater by both the general public and the actors who say that they love working there. They have put on various musical and classical productions giving it a very Valencian feel.

• Caballeros, 31 / Phone: (+34) 963 912 920
• Website: teatres.gva.es
• See on Google Maps

Teatro Rialto

Situated in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, it is the headquarters of the Dramatic Center of the Valencian government. Today, it is one of the several theater spaces run by the local government, and it puts on reasonably high quality shows and performances by companies from the Valencian province and other national and international groups. The entrance fee and schedule vary acording to the show.

The theatre is next to the cinema IVAC Filmoteca and Sala Moratín, described below.

• Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 17 / Phone: (+34) 963 539 300
• Website: teatres.gva.es
• See on Google Maps

Sala Moratín

This small hall located right in the center of Valencia, also belongs to a chain of theaters owned by the Valencian government. It is situated in the same building as the Sala Rialto. Because of its small size, its possibilities are limited, therefore it specializes in avant-garde productions, contemporary, cutting-edge dance and drama.

It is used mostly by Valencian theater groups who put on experimental performances with unique staging arrangements, although on occasion you’ll find vanguard groups from other places. It also serves as a cinema where they show new or never-seen cultural films. The entrance fee and schedule change according to the production.

• Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 17 / Phone: (+34) 963 539 300
• Website: teatres.gva.es
• See on Google Maps

Teatro Micalet

An independent theatre focused on social themes. It sometimes offers shows in Valencian only. Just a short time ago, this theater was the point of reference for the new avant-guard independent Valencian theatre groups. It is still remembered fondly by its fans as much as by the professionals.

The Micalet also offer productions and workshops for students. The entrance fee and schedule change with each production.

• Mestre Palau, 3 / Phone: (+34) 963 921 482
• Website: www.teatremicalet.com
• See on Google Maps

Teatro L’Altre Espai

This theatre used to belong to the vanguard theatre company, MOMA Teatre. Today, it is part of the network of theatres managed by the Generalitat Valenciana. It has more than 2000m² of surface space filled with rehearsal rooms, an amazing and unconventional stage and 300 seats. They also organize workshops on many different subjects relating to the world of drama.

Despite its youth, this is the ideal place for independent and contemporary plays, and it has become famous for the quality of the performances.

• Platero Suárez, 11 / Phone: (+34) 963 651 750
• Website: www.teatremicalet.com
• See on Google Maps

Circuito Cafe Teatro

One of the best options to enjoy acting is the Circuito Café Teatro. It is an association that began in 2001 with the aim of promoting cultural, professional as well as amateur mini-theater by offering an extensive range of productions easily accessible to the public in pubs and cafés in Valencia, Castellon and Alicante. Every night of the week, free acts are filling cafes with artists and the Valencians who love them. Performances are usually humorous making the public have a good time!

As a result, audience participation is often requested, or the spectators are at least invited to reflect on what they are watching. If you’re interested in this kind of theatre (and can understand Spanish…) have a look at their website to check the agenda, www.circuitocafeteatro.com