Six blocks southwest of Plaza San Martín is the lavishly ornamented Cervantes theater. From the grand tiled lobby to the main theater, you can smell the long history of this place. The Cervantes is definitely showing its age, with worn carpeting and rough edges, but improvement projects are planned. Until then, enjoy the faded elegance with a tour (call for current schedules). It presents theater, comedy, musicals and dance.
The landmark building dates from 1921 and was built with private funds, but it was acquired by the state in 1926. Its facade was designed as a replica of Spain’s Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. The building underwent remodeling after a fire in 1961.
