Planning a trip
Hearing music in Chile
The atlas keeps this theatre as Chile's anchor concert hall. It dates from 1857 and has survived earthquakes in 1906 and 1985 and a fire in 1870. Each rebuilding preserved the gilded interior and the 1,500-seat horseshoe, which is part of why it is ranked as the best-loved listening room of the southern cone. Opera, ballet and symphonic concerts all take place here.
For timing, the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago gives Friday and Saturday evening concerts all year, and performances run most evenings. The summer months, December to March, add free open-air concerts on the plaza outside, most weekends, played by the same orchestra with no ticket needed. The box office is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00, and the theatre closes on Mondays for maintenance.
To reach it, ride Line 1 of the Metro to Universidad de Chile, come out on Agustinas and walk one block. On foot from Plaza de Armas, head west for five minutes. The theatre looks onto Plaza Aníbal Pinto, in the middle of Santiago. It is listed as open, with no closures to report.
FAQ
Questions people ask
When can you hear the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago?
The orchestra plays Friday and Saturday evening concerts at the Teatro Municipal all year round. In summer, from December to March, it also gives free concerts in the open air, on the square outside, most weekends.
How do you get to the Teatro Municipal de Santiago?
Ride Line 1 of the Metro to Universidad de Chile, exit on Agustinas and walk one block. Coming from Plaza de Armas, walk five minutes west. The theatre looks onto Plaza Aníbal Pinto.
Are there free concerts at the Teatro Municipal de Santiago?
Yes, in summer. From December to March, free Conciertos al Aire Libre take place on the square outside the theatre, most weekends. The orchestra is the same one heard indoors, and no ticket is needed.