Teatro Español

Teatro Español is a theatre on Plaza Santa Ana in Madrid, Spain, with two performance spaces that differ in size and character. The Main Hall offers 735 seats, while the smaller Margarita Xirgu Hall holds 110 spectators and is intended for more intimate productions.

The theatre began in 1583 as Corral del Príncipe and was completely rebuilt after a fire in 1802. It received its present name in 1849 and has since grown into one of the most important stages for Spanish-language drama.

The house maintains close ties to the classical repertoire, with plays from the Golden Age performed regularly alongside contemporary works. Programming shows how the theatre holds to the country's literary tradition while giving space to new voices.

The venue sits close to Antón Martín and Sevilla metro stations and offers accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility. An on-site café allows a quiet stay before or after the performance, and tickets can be purchased in advance.

The Neoclassical façade carries engraved portraits of famous theatre figures, among them the playwright Federico García Lorca. These engravings recall artists who shaped Spanish theatre and form a kind of gallery directly on the outer wall.

Location: Madrid

Inception: September 21, 1583

Architects: Juan de Villanueva, Luis Bellido y González, Enrique Colás Hontán, Pablo Aranda Sánchez

Official opening: September 21, 1583

Capacity: 763

GPS coordinates: 40.41486,-3.70015

Latest update: December 19, 2025 21:56