Gran Teatro Elche
Gran Teatro D’Elx
The new Gran Teatro in Elche was officially opened on 8th October 1996 following a project to remodel it on the old “Kursaal” establishment which first opened to the public on 24th May 1920.
It’s not a large theatre by any means, but is aesthetically pleasing and fits in well with its environment next to the Glorieta in the centre of Elche. Access to the theatre is easy, and visitors are welcomed by the wrought iron gates outside the vestibule which lead into a typically Italian building in terms of its architectural and decorative style. The horseshoe-shaped interior houses both the main seating areas and balconies as well as private boxes.
When the Town Hall oversaw the refurbishment of the theatre various goals were clearly set: a new level was to be added at the top in order to improve the acoustics, the size of the stage was to be increased, the orchestra pit was to be enlarged, the arch over the front of the stage was to be brought forward, and the ceiling was to be redesigned more in the traditional style associated with opera houses. All of these aims were achieved, and the 1,300 square metres of paintings now create an impression of spaciousness and grandeur.
Over the proscenium arch is a hand-painted design including acrylics, enamel and gold finishing, which imitates exactly the original design.
The result of all this is a theatre that Elche can be proud, of, with a seating capacity of 779, and there is also a press room, a VIP room, a soundproofed orchestra rehearsal room and a projection room for the showing of films. The building is put to multiple uses, including conferences, presentations, prize-givings and the like, but the main one among them is of course to provide the best in dramatic arts entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
Address:
Calle Kursaal, 3,
03203 Elche
Tel: 966 658147
Click for map, Calle Kursaal, Elche
Box office
The box office is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10.00 and 13.30 and from 17.00 to 20.30, as well as one hour before all programmed events in the theatre.
