On Ramirez Coliseum premises Maldonado Theatre was built to present for the first time European theatre, operetta and opera shows. Under president Rafael Núñez the house became property of the State and named National Theatre. Current construction started in 1886, as projected and directed by architect Pedro Cantini, and constructor Eugenio López responsible for the works. Outstanding personalities such as painters Philipo Mastellari and Pietro Meranini and decorators Cesare Sighinolfi and Luigi Ramelli cooperated wit the work. On October 27, 1892 the theater was officially inaugurated to commemorate Christopher Columbus arrival to America and renaming the theatre with its current name.

Cantini took Garnier Theatre in Paris model, reducing the project to half the Paris theatre and including small Scala of Milan decoration details. Theatre scheme used is a horseshoe shape with plateau, three rows of individual boxes and a general or “hen” balcony. To the front of the building at second floor level a richly decorated double height foyer used for chamber concerts and conferences. Two sets of symmetrical stairs at the edge of circulation spaces serve all floor boxes. A beautiful combined brick and stone support structure support the trick elevated over full volume.

The theatre was restored between 1975 and 1978.
Important to mention the mouth curtain painted in Florence by Annibale Gatti, representing major opera personalities. Decoration was the work of Luigi Ramelli, whose plaster and moldings shop still works in La Candelaria neighborhood. Also outstanding lovely boxes wood carvings and the beautiful central lamp over the plateau.

The theatre currently offers guided tours to every corner of the place