Theaters in Bologna and the province: between historic stages and new voices

From the historic stages of the Comunale to the most intimate spaces of the territory, Bologna and its province offer a rich proposal of events, shows and comic and dramatic appointments every day. An important cultural heritage involving city and village theaters, with thousands of available seats and affordable tickets. Find out what's on today and be guided to discover the theater program that enlivens every corner of the territory.

Bologna's leading theaters

Teatro Comunale (temporary headquarters at the Comunale Nouveau)

Opera, Dance, Concerts

Average performance duration: 2h30-3h

The Teatro Comunale, opened in 1763 on the foundations of the Teatro Malvezzi destroyed by fire, was the first public opera house in Italy and the first to stage an opera by Wagner (Lohengrin, 1871). Famous for the episode of Arturo Toscanini refusing to perform the Fascist anthem in 1931, it was the protagonist of important historical events. The Teatro Comunale di Bologna's permanent Orchestra and Chorus represent a point of reference for Italian music and art, with an established history and an active presence in the international music scene. 

Address:  The season currently takes place in the Comunale Nouveau (Piazza della Costituzione 4) pending the reopening of the historic venue (Largo Respighi 1) scheduled for 2026.

Find out the season schedule on the theater's website.

Auditorium Manzoni

Symphony Concerts and Variety

Average performance duration: 2h30-3h

Located in the center of Bologna, the Manzoni is mainly dedicated to classical music and the symphonic season of the Teatro Comunale, but also hosts jazz, ethnic and modern concerts. Born in 1933 as a cinema-theater, it has been converted into an auditorium with optimized acoustics.

Address: Via de’ Monari 1/2, Bologna

Find out the season schedule on the theater's website.

Teatro Duse

Prose, Dance and Music

Average performance duration: 1h30-2h

Bologna's oldest prose theater, known for hosting prestigious artists such as Dario Fo and dedicated to Eleonora Duse, Italy's greatest actress, appreciated to the point of having a theater named after her while she was still alive: in 1898 Eleonora Duse was forty years old, and in full swing.  Founded in 1822 as Teatro Brunetti, it has a history of puppet shows, operetta, and concerts, becoming one of the city's most important theaters.

Address: Via Cartoleria 42, Bologna

Find out the season schedule on the theatre's website.

Teatro Arena del Sole

Popular and Contemporary Theater

Average performance duration: 1h30-2h

Founded in 1810 as a summer arena, built on the site of the former convent of St. Mary Magdalene, suppressed in Napoleonic times. From 1916 the theater was adapted for winter with movable roofs and began hosting film screenings. In 1984 the building was purchased by the City of Bologna to return a drama theater to the city. Today it has two main theaters (De Berardinis and Salmon) plus the Teatro delle Moline, dedicated to off and independent theater. It hosts national and international productions, civic performances, dance and exhibitions in the foyer. Managed by ERT/National Theater since 2014.

Address: Via Indipendenza 44, Bologna

Find out the season schedule on the theatre's website.

Teatro Celebrazioni

Find out the season schedule on the theatre's website.

Teatro Testoni (Testoni Ragazzi)

Theater for Children and Families

Average show length: 45-60 min

Specializing in shows for children, teens and families, Testoni is dedicated to bringing youngsters to the theater with puppets and educational shows. Since 1995 it has been run by La Baracca, which aims to engage young audiences and schools.

Address: Via Giacomo Matteotti 16, Bologna

Find out the season schedule on the theatre's website.

EuropAuditorium

Musical, Prose, Dance and Pop Concerts

Average performance duration: 2h

The largest theater in Emilia Romagna, located in the Palazzo della Cultura e Congressi. Program musicals, ballets, concerts and recitals of national and international appeal, with space for exhibitions and convivial events.

Address: Piazza della Costituzione 4, Bologna

Find out the season schedule on the theatre's website.

Teatro di Villa Mazzacorati

Concerts, Lectures, Children's Theater

Average performance duration: variable

Located in the historic Villa Aldrovandi Marescotti, it dates back to the 18th century and is a testament to aristocratic theater. It hosts performances of children's theater, commedia dell'arte and concerts in a charming and intimate atmosphere.

Address: Via Toscana 19, Bologna

Find out the season schedule on the theatre's website.