All about Teatro José Peón Contreras in Mérida, Mexico

Teatro José Peón Contreras in Mérida (José Peón Contreras Theater) is on Calle 60 between Calle 59 and Calle 57. It is named after the former Mexican playwright and writer Don José Peón Contreras.

The impressive Theater is located right opposite the equally magnificent building of the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (Autonomous University of Yucatan), not far from Parque de Santa Lucía and Plaza Grande.

It was built at the beginning of the 20th century between 1900 and 1908. The neoclassical teatro was designed by European architects and it is one of the most important opera houses in Mexico and the oldest theater in Mérida.

The first theater was built in the same place as early as 1806. The theater with 837 seats hosts the Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan, as well as national and international events, plays, operas, music, dance, vaudeville, children's shows, festivals and conferences.

The theater also offers a terrace, gallery, café and restaurant. Walk up the grand staircase of Carrara marble and enjoy wonderful performances under a frescoed dome.

Performance dates and prices

The performance dates vary (see Sinfonica de Yucatan). Typically, the great Yucatan Symphony Orchestra performs at the theatre on most (but not all) Fridays at 9:00 pm and Sundays at Noon. Ticket prices depending on the event (from about 150 pesos).

The theater is owned by the state government, and as a result prices are subsidized, so the tickets are quite cheap. Even if you don't want to or can't attend a performance, you should go inside the theater. The architectural structure is very well preserved and the building is very worth visiting.