theater · Natal, RN
Teatro Alberto Maranhão
Opened in 1904 in the Ribeira neighborhood, it is protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute) and got its current name in 1957, in honor of a former governor. Reopened in 2021 after restoration, it has a regular program of performances.
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 Alberto Maranhão
Teatro Alberto Maranhão is the oldest theater in Rio Grande do Norte and one of the symbols of the Ribeira neighborhood, Natal's historic center. It is on Praça Augusto Severo and is a protected heritage site.
Construction began in 1898, when Ribeira was the city's commercial center, and the theater opened in 1904 as Teatro Carlos Gomes, in honor of the composer. In 1957 it was renamed Alberto Maranhão, in honor of the former state governor.
The building has eclectic architecture with Art Nouveau elements. Inside, the audience is surrounded by side boxes, private boxes and a gallery, in the style of period theaters. The program includes theater, dance and music, and the theater houses its affiliated dance school and company.
Even without a ticket for a show, it is worth stopping by the square to see the facade and combining it with a walk around Ribeira, which has other historic buildings.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A stop to see the facade and the square takes about half an hour; a performance takes up the evening.
Best time
Year-round; to photograph the facade, go in the late afternoon, with softer light, and to see the interior, on a performance night.
How to get there
It is on Praça Augusto Severo, in the Ribeira neighborhood, Natal's historic center. You get there by taxi, ride-hailing app or buses going downtown; from Cidade Alta you can walk down.
Tip
Check the schedule on the channels of Fundação José Augusto, which runs the theater, and take the chance to walk around Ribeira before the show, while it is still light.
A look at the place
Teatro Alberto Maranhão 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 Teatro Alberto Maranhão
Where is Teatro Alberto Maranhão?
On Praça Augusto Severo, in the Ribeira neighborhood, Natal's historic center.
When did Teatro Alberto Maranhão open?
In 1904, as Teatro Carlos Gomes. The current name came in 1957.
Who was Alberto Maranhão?
A former governor of Rio Grande do Norte, honored with the theater's name in 1957.
How can I see the Teatro Alberto Maranhão schedule?
The schedule is published by Fundação José Augusto, which runs the theater; check the official channels before you go.
What is the oldest theater in Rio Grande do Norte?
Teatro Alberto Maranhão, opened in 1904 in Natal.