Teatro Coliseu, Historical theatre in Santos, Brazil

Teatro Coliseu is the largest theatre in Santos, in the city's historic centre. The building reopened in 1924 in its current configuration, designed by João Bernils, and today seats a thousand spectators. Its stage hosted opera, operetta and theatre companies, and in 1929 the city's first screening of a sound film.

The site began in 1897 as a sports gymnasium and velodrome of the Companhia Coliseu Santista, active until 1903. Francisco Serrador opened a bar there in 1909, and the building hosted political events, including a conference by Ruy Barbosa. Rebuilt and reopened in 1924 as Teatro Coliseu Santista, designed by João Bernils, it was expropriated in 1989 and restored in 2006 at a cost of R$ 20 million.

The theatre's name comes from the Companhia Coliseu Santista, which opened a velodrome and sports gymnasium on this site in 1897. Its 1924 inauguration featured João Köpke's libretto "A Bela Adormecida", set to music by Carlos de Campos, then president of São Paulo state. In 1929 it hosted the city's first screening of a sound film.

The theatre stands in Santos's historic centre, a short walk from the waterfront and the city's older streets. The 2006 restoration cost R$ 20 million and produced a hall seating around a thousand spectators. Arrive early on performance evenings, since central Santos streets fill up and parking is scarce.

The building holds dual heritage designations from both CONDEPHAAT and CONDEPASA, which formally recognize its architectural and historical value. This double protection ensures that original design features are maintained for the future.