theater · São José, SC
Theatro Adolpho Mello
Opened in 1856, it's the oldest theater in Santa Catarina and has served as a movie theater and as barracks during the 1930 Revolution. Restored and reopened in 2020, it's named after violinist and composer Adolpho Ferreira Mello.
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 Theatro Adolpho Mello
The Theatro Adolpho Mello is São José's municipal theater and stands in the city's Historic Center, a few steps from Praça Hercílio Luz. It's considered the oldest theater in Santa Catarina still in operation.
The cornerstone was laid in 1854, at the initiative of a group of theater-loving residents, and the house opened in 1856. The name honors Adolpho Ferreira de Mello, a 19th-century violinist, composer and conductor from São José. The building is listed as historic heritage.
The theater is small and intimate. It hosts theater, music and dance performances and also holds performing arts training activities. Outside, the facade is one of the postcard images of the old center and appears on almost every walking tour of the area.
It's worthwhile if you enjoy history, culture and seeing a show in a 19th-century building. If you're passing by on a day without a performance, you can see the facade and continue your walk through the Historic Center.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes to see the facade; for a show, allow for the length of the performance.
Best time
At night, on a performance day, to see the theater in use; to photograph the facade, in the morning or late afternoon, with softer light.
How to get there
It's in São José's Historic Center, in Greater Florianópolis, near Praça Hercílio Luz and the Igreja Matriz. From Florianópolis, you get there by car over the bridges and the Via Expressa, or by metropolitan bus to downtown São José.
Tip
Check the program and how to get tickets on the São José city hall channels before you go; combine it with a walk through the Historic Center.
A look at the place
Theatro Adolpho Mello in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Theatro Adolpho Mello
What is the oldest theater in Santa Catarina?
The Theatro Adolpho Mello, in São José, opened in 1856, is considered the oldest in the state.
Where is the Theatro Adolpho Mello?
In São José's Historic Center, in Greater Florianópolis, near Praça Hercílio Luz and the Igreja Matriz.
Who was Adolpho Mello?
Adolpho Ferreira de Mello was a 19th-century violinist, composer and conductor from São José, after whom the theater is named.
How can I see the Theatro Adolpho Mello's program?
The schedule and ticket pickup are announced by the São José city hall; check before you go.
Can I visit the Theatro Adolpho Mello when there's no show?
You can see the facade any time, on your walk through the Historic Center. To go inside, your best bet is a performance day.