Theatro Sete de Abril, Historic theatre in Pelotas, Brazil

The Theatro Sete de Abril is a theatre in downtown Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, built in the Italian architectural style of the 19th century, with four classical columns on its original facade. The interior features metal railings and carefully designed spaces that date from the same period.

Built by the private Sociedade Scênica and designed by the German engineer Eduard van Kertchmar, with construction carried out by José Vieira Vianna, the theatre opened on 2 December 1834, the first theatre erected in Rio Grande do Sul, during the charqueada economic cycle. Closed in 2010 over collapse risk, it underwent full renovation from 2013 and reopened on 7 July 2026, the city's 214th anniversary.

The name of the theatre refers to April 7, 1831, the day Emperor Dom Pedro I abdicated the Brazilian throne. In Pelotas, the building is still used for concerts, plays and local gatherings, and holds a place of real affection in the city's daily life.

The theatre sits in the heart of Pelotas and is easy to reach on foot from most parts of the city centre. It is worth checking in advance whether performances or guided tours are available, as access to the interior depends on the programme.

The name refers to 7 April, the day Dom Pedro I abdicated in 1831, which some radical liberals regarded as Brazil's true date of independence. The theatre was ordered built by the Sociedade Scênica, a private dramatic society that wanted more families to attend its performances.