Sauto Theater, Neoclassical theater in Matanzas, Cuba

Sauto Theater is a neoclassical building on a street corner in Matanzas, with a pale cream facade whose ground level has rusticated grooves and round arches forming an arcade. Above a dividing band, the upper story has tall rectangular windows with pale metal balcony railings, and a dentiled cornice and balustrade top the flat roof. Inside, the U-shaped 775-seat auditorium is almost entirely covered with wood paneling and has three balconies.

The theater opened in 1863 as Teatro Esteban, named after Pedro Esteban y Arranz, then Civil Governor of Matanzas. It soon took the surname of Ambrosio de la Concepción Sauto, a patron of the arts who contributed much to its construction. It was declared a National Monument in 1978, renovated in the 1960s and 1980s, and closed for a deeper renovation from 9 February 2010 until 2018.

The lobby displays marble statues of Greek goddesses, while the main hall ceiling features detailed paintings of classical muses, reflecting the artistic vision built into the original design.

Regular performances happen several times per week, and the space hosts international events including ballet festivals throughout the year. Arrive early for popular shows since the fixed seating capacity fills up quickly.

The original stage curtain is a painted view of the Puente de la Concordia over the Yumurí River, and two rivers, the Yumurí and the San Juan, run beneath the building. The Mexican muralist Diego Rivera said, "I recognize Matanzas by the Sauto."