Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Teatre Rialto, Valencia
Contemporary theatre and dance in one of Valencia's most distinctive Art Deco landmarks, right on Plaça de l'Ajuntament.
Teatre Rialto is one of Valencia's main public stages, with a programme focused on contemporary theatre, dance and Valencian productions. It shares its landmark 1930s building with La Filmoteca, making it an interesting cultural stop even before the curtain goes up.
The essentials
Address
Plaza del Ayuntamiento 17, 46002 Valencia
Neighborhood & metro
On Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Sant Francesc, the heart of Ciutat Vella. Nearest metro: Xativa (lines 3, 5 and 9), a couple of minutes' walk.
Size & capacity
An intimate main hall with around 400 seats - a fraction of the 1,400-seat cinema the building once held - so every row feels close to the stage.
Type & programming
Contemporary drama and dance from the Institut Valencia de Cultura: its own productions, Valencian companies and the Dansa Valencia festival.
About the venue
The building was designed in 1935 by architect Cayetano Borso di Carminati and opened in 1939 as a cinema with a tea room and restaurant. Its rationalist lines and Art Deco touches make it one of the most distinctive facades on the square.
After the Generalitat restored it, the Rialto became the home stage of the Institut Valencia de Cultura's theatre programming: in-house productions, Valencian companies, new writing and the Dansa Valencia festival each spring.
The same building also houses the Filmoteca, the Generalitat's film archive cinema, which runs its own separate programme of classic and arthouse screenings - a different box office from the theatre.
Photo: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0
What can you see at Teatre Rialto?
Contemporary theatre
New writing and modern productions
Spanish & Valencian
Dance
Contemporary dance and festival performances
Including Dansa València
Valencian productions
Local companies and IVC productions
A good place to discover the local scene
Special programming
Festivals, experimental work and limited runs
Check the programme before visiting
Tips for your visit
- Check the language. Most productions are in Spanish or Valencian, so check the individual listing before booking.
- Book small productions early. The main hall only has around 400 seats.
- Make an evening of it. Plaça de l'Ajuntament puts you within walking distance of restaurants, bars and much of Ciutat Vella.
What's on now
The Institut Valencia de Cultura publishes the Rialto's season and ticket links on its official website. Check there for current programming and dates.
Check current programmingPlan the rest of your trip
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