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Cultural center · Frutillar, Los Lagos
Teatro del Lago
Arts center on the shore of Lago Llanquihue, with a main hall for about 1,200 people, a wooden façade and a program of classical music, opera and dance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Teatro del Lago
Teatro del Lago sits on the Frutillar waterfront, over the waters of Lago Llanquihue, with Volcán Osorno in front. It was created to house the Semanas Musicales de Frutillar, a classical music festival held every summer since 1968 that was left without a stage after a fire in 1996. Construction began in 1998 with private funds and took about twelve years.
The project, by architects Gerardo Köster and Gustavo Greene, is inspired by Chiloé architecture, with cladding of wooden slats in various tones. The main hall, Espacio Tronador, has 1,178 seats in the stalls and two galleries, plus an orchestra pit for one hundred musicians. There is also an amphitheater and smaller rooms.
The program includes concerts, opera, ballet, jazz and popular music, with Chilean and international artists. Because of the theater and the festival, Frutillar joined UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the Music category, becoming the first Chilean city with that title.
Those who do not attend a performance can take the backstage guided tour, which shows the hall, the acoustics and the view of the lake through the foyer windows.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One hour for the guided tour; a concert fills the evening.
Best time
At the end of January and the beginning of February the Semanas Musicales take place, with concerts almost every day. For the rest of the year the schedule is more spread out. Guided tours run on fixed days and times: check before you go.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Philippi, on the waterfront of Frutillar Bajo, about 3 km from Frutillar Alto. From Puerto Varas it's roughly 30 km via Ruta 5; buses stop in the upper section, and from there you go down by taxi or on foot.
Tip
Buy concert tickets in advance in summer. Arrive early to watch the sunset over the lake from the viewpoints next to the theater.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Teatro del Lago
Can you visit the Teatro del Lago without a ticket for a performance?
Yes, there are paid guided tours of the backstage and the main hall at fixed times. Check the schedule beforehand.
What are the Semanas Musicales de Frutillar?
A classical music festival held every summer since 1968, usually between late January and early February, with concerts at the Teatro del Lago.
How many people does the Teatro del Lago hold?
The main hall, Espacio Tronador, has 1,178 seats. The complex also includes an amphitheater and smaller rooms.