Venice 2025: best historic theatres and unmissable performances
Venice is an open-air museum, but its cultural charm extends beyond its narrow streets and historic palaces. A day dedicated to art and culture in this city can extend beyond the classic tourist routes, exploring museums, galleries, and the fascinating world of Venetian theatres. With its performances and historic halls, Venice offers a complete cultural experience that engages all the senses.
In this article, we suggest some ideas for immersing yourself in its extraordinary artistic wealth, among iconic theatres and unmissable performances.
- Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and a symbol of Venetian resilience. Founded in 1792, its name evokes the idea of rebirth, a destiny that has profoundly marked its history: destroyed by fires in 1836 and 1996, it has always been rebuilt with fidelity to the original. The current building, reopened in 2003, reproduces the splendour of the 19th-century theatre, with neoclassical decorations enriched by gold, stucco, and frescoes. Its interior is sumptuous, with a stalls area surrounded by elegant tiers of boxes and a ceiling decorated with celestial motifs.
Premieres of works by Rossini, Bellini, and Verdi have taken place here, establishing La Fenice as a temple of opera and culture. This year’s programme includes operas such as Rigoletto, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Il trionfo dell’onore, Anna Bolena, Dialogues des Carmélites, and more. For further information, visit the website: https://www.teatrolafenice.it/en/whats-on/
- International Theatre Festival 2025
The 53rd International Theatre Festival will take place in Venice from May 31 to June 15, 2025, under the artistic direction of Willem Dafoe. The event, part of the Venice Biennale, will feature a rich programme of performances, meetings with internationally renowned artists, and productions developed as part of the Biennale College Teatro, the project dedicated to young talents in contemporary theatre. Willem Dafoe, known for his film career, has deep roots in theatre: he began acting with Theatre X in 1975 and co-founded The Wooster Group in 1977, one of New York’s most influential experimental theatre companies, collaborating with them until 2003.
Performances will be held in various Venetian venues, including Teatro Piccolo Arsenale, Teatro alle Tese, Tese dei Soppalchi, and the Sala delle Colonne at Ca’ Giustinian.
Tickets will be available soon. For updates and more details, consult the official website of the Venice Biennale: https://www.labiennale.org/en/theatre/2025
- Interpreti Veneziani
Founded in 1987, Interpreti Veneziani quickly became a significant presence in the Italian and international concert scene, appreciated for the “Italian exuberance and verve” of its performances. Today, the ensemble begins its 35th concert season in Venice, attracting over 60,000 spectators from around the world every year. Interpreti Veneziani has participated in prestigious festivals such as those in Melbourne, Bayreuth, and Prague, and has played in legendary venues like the Royal Palace of Stockholm, Osaka Symphony Hall, and Tokyo’s Suntory Hall. They have also participated in international events like the telethon at the Kirov Theatre and live radio concerts in Japan. With a repertoire ranging from Giuseppe Tartini to numerous other composers, the group boasts a rich discography, solidifying its status as an ambassador of Venetian music worldwide.
To attend concerts featuring works by Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach, consult the programme: https://www.interpretiveneziani.com/en/concert-season
- Teatro Goldoni
Teatro Goldoni Palace is located in the heart of Venice, in Campo San Luca, and is one of the city’s most important historic theatres. Built in 1622 under the name Teatro di San Luca, it was renovated in the 1800s and dedicated to Carlo Goldoni, the famous Venetian playwright, in honour of his extraordinary theatrical career. The neoclassical palace stands out for its sober and elegant façade, featuring a rusticated portal and Corinthian columns. The theatre’s interior maintains an intimate and refined atmosphere, with a horseshoe-shaped stalls area and decorated boxes. The ceiling is adorned with frescoes reflecting Venetian pictorial tradition. Over the centuries, the theatre has hosted numerous prose and musical performances, becoming a cultural landmark in Venice. Today, Teatro Goldoni continues to be a significant venue for theatre events, concerts, and high-level cultural activities.
Current notable performances include Buffoni all’inferno, Ciarlatani, L’ultima domenica di agosto, and others.
For more details, consult the programme: https://www.teatrostabileveneto.it/programma-stagione-24-25-teatro-stabile-del-veneto