Where to Watch a Play in Medellin: The Top 10 Theaters

TLDR? Teatro Museo Prado is the best place to watch a play in Medellin.

It’s 2022, which means that most of us are used to posting up in front of the TV to get some entertainment. But, there’s still something special about getting dressed up and going to the theater for a night. 

Although Medellin doesn’t have its own broadway, that’s not to say there aren’t some great places to watch a play in the city. 

Ready to get your red carpet-worthy dress on and head out for an evening of romance at the theater? Here are the best theaters in Medellin.

1. Teatro Museo Prado

Once known as Medina’s palace or Rodríguez’s palace, Teatro Museo Prado is the house of the “Águila Descalza” theater group. The theater dates back to the early 1900s and is an amazing place for you to catch some culture. 

What’s cool about this theater is that it’s actually been featured in several movies. One Antioquian classic, Bajo el Cielo Anitoqueño used this building as a backdrop. 

You can catch a variety of plays here, with the box office opening from 4 pm to 8 pm on days with shows. Most shows don’t sell out too quickly either, so you can catch a performance without having to book in advance.

Website: https://www.aguiladescalza.com.co/teatro-prado-2/

Address: Cra. 45d #59-01, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

2. Teatro José Gutiérrez Gómez (Teatro Metropolitano de Medellín)

Next up is the Teatro José Gutierrez Gomez. I know, I know, it’s a mouthful. 

This is actually Medellin’s metropolitan theater, so it’s one of the biggest and best theaters in the city. Since its opening in 1987, this theater has been dedicated to promoting Colombian culture.

This place has received famous guests like Andrés Cepeda, Julieta Venegas, Fito Paez and Miguel Bosé, among others.

A few events you can check out here include: 

• The international season of classical music “Medellín Cultural”
• The official season of concerts of the philharmonic orchestra of Medellín
• The international season of opera and operetta of Medellín
• The international festival of jazz and world music. 

There are tons of different events you can enjoy here. It’s definitely worth checking out!

Website: https://www.teatrometropolitano.com/

Address: Cl. 41 ## 57 – 30, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

3. Teatro Pablo Tobón Uribe

This is one of the most famous theaters in Medellín! With incredible architecture from the 60s, the building itself stands out.

The theater groups here present art exhibitions, ballet performances and dance shows, fairs and festivals, and dance lessons for everyone. 

On top of that, you can book free private tours through the theater. It’s definitely worth checking out, as you’ll get to go backstage and learn about the history of the theater. 

On the tour, you’ll learn about the inner workings of the theater world and what it takes to set foot on stage. 

Website: https://www.teatropablotobon.com/

Address: Cra. 40 #51-24, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

4. Teatro Matacandelas

This building is an important part of Colombian cultural heritage. They regularly run more than twenty different shows for both adults and children audiences. 

If you’re traveling with little ones, I recommend the puppet show. It’s all in Spanish, but just watching the stuffed animals dance across the stage!

Another thing that’s cool about this theater is that most of the performances are inspired by Colombian history and local traditions. You can also find tributes to international artists (U2 tribute bands, anyone?).

Website: https://www.matacandelas.com/index.html

Address: Cl. 47 #4347, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

5. Pequeño Teatro de Medellín

The name of this theater literally translates to the little theater of Medellin, but don’t let that put you off! It’s actually one of the most beautiful theaters in the city. 

In fact, the only reason the theater is called the small theater is as a tribute to the playwright Konstantin Stanislavsky. 

Since its opening in 1975, this place has been an important training center for a large number of renowned performing artists. They’ve also got workshops and a theater school so that you can learn how to perform yourself if you want.

Another cool thing about this place is that the entrance is free, but you can support them with a voluntary donation if you want. The box office is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm.

Website: https://www.pequenoteatro.com/

Address: Cra. 42 #50A-12, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

6. Teatro La Pascasia

A small and cozy theater inspired by Colombian culture mixed with modern rhythms, plays, dance, and art, La Pascasia is host to tons of activities such as concerts, shows, recitals, dance lessons, and even parties. 

Don’t forget to visit their art gallery full of traditional paintings and photography. There, you can wander the halls of the theater and take a look at some images of the history of Medellin. 

And of course, you have to try their delicious Colombian dishes in the restaurant. It’s definitely worth checking out!

Website: https://www.instagram.com/lapascasia/?hl=es

Address: Cra. 42 #4646, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

7. Casa Teatro El Poblado

Casa Teatro El Poblado is probably the most convenient theater for anyone staying at one of Casacol’s Poblado properties. 

This theater hosts artistic development workshops as well as regular performances. Small artists from around the city can showcase their work at the theater whenever they want. 

From time to time, you’ll even find the national symphony orchestras putting on performances there. 

Just bear in mind that depending on the performance, the entrance may or may not be free. You can check the website to get an idea of whether it’s going to cost you to get into the show or not.

Website: https://www.casateatroelpoblado.com/

Address: Cra. 47b #17 b sur 30, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

8. Teatro Laureles

If you are looking for some laughs and a good time, this is the right place for you to visit. This Laureles theater specializes in comedy nights along with a special meat feast for roast and bbq lovers. 

But, don’t forget their incredible stand-up comedy artists and children’s shows. The establishment opens its doors from 8 am to 8 pm, so you can swing by there all day. 

Website: https://www.instagram.com/teatro.laureles/?hl=es

Address:  Transversal 39B, Cq. 2 #46, Medellín, Antioquia

9. Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob Corporation

Ateneo Corporation is a place that questions what’s going in society, giving you a lot to think about. In other words, it’s a theater that looks at tough questions and addresses them in theatrical performances. 

They have interesting stand-up comedy events and music concerts as well. If you’re not interested in being philosophical and just want to have a good time, you can head to one of those shows instead.

Almost all their shows are free (but you can decide to give them a voluntary contribution). 

Don’t forget to visit the Porfirio coffee shop. They’ve got some great brews and are the perfect place to sit down and catch up with friends for an hour or two.

Website: https://ateneomedellin.com/

Address: Cl. 47 #42-38, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

10. Colombia Canta y Encanta

Colombia Canta y Encanta is a colorful cultural center that has a permanent artistic program. It’s actually also a music and festival school where Colombians can enhance their creative skills.

You can head over there to catch a show, or you can just take a guided tour of the place. There are also some creative acting workshops for you to get involved in.

Like many of the other theaters, this place has a great coffee shop attached to it. Sit down and get some work done before catching a play in the evening!

Website: https://www.colombiacanta.org/

Address: Cl. 49 #76 a – 65, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia

Catch a Play in Medellin

Watching a play in Medellin is an experience like no other, regardless of which theater you pick. It’s time to get ready for a night out on the town at one of these theaters!

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