About Coliseum Theater
- Coliseum Theater is a stunning amphitheater with approximately 1,400 seats split across three sections: Stalls/main floor, club, and amphitheatre.
- Seats toward the center of the stalls and the club offer some of the best views in the house.
- Seats toward the sides and the very back of the theater tend to be less preferred but still offer decent views of the show.
- The theater is smaller than average, so it tends to have fewer rows, but it makes up for this in height. The seats at the uppermost levels might make seeing the intricate details of some performances difficult.
- Premium seats offer a more immersive experience with additional features, including cocktails and personal assistance.
Coliseum Theater seating plan >
The Coliseum Theater was conceived in 1931 by businessman and musician, Jacinto Guerrero. He hoped to create a space that would provide a home to various kinds of performing arts and entertainment shows. And in its 90-year history, the Coliseum has offered its stage to musicals, plays, Spanish zarzuela, and even movies.
Despite enduring some ups and downs, particularly through the Civil War, the Coliseum saw a revival in the 2000s when it was refurbished. Its stunning history was remarkably preserved, even as it was updated for newer shows and audiences.
- Jacinto Guerrero commissioned the design of his theater to architects Castro Fernández Shaw and Pedro Muguruza Otaño.
- It is built with classically Spanish interiors and Art Deco-inspired exteriors that landed it on the list of “Assets of Cultural Interest” that warrant special protection.
- Coliseum Theater is filled with allegorical paintings referencing historical cities like Castile and Valencia.
- It is fitted with a variety of decorative elements, including stained glass.
- While the decor might seem thoroughly lavish, each aspect is carefully selected, such as the copper light fittings that feature motifs depicting traditional Spanish musical instruments.
- Despite renovations, the details of the original theater have been carefully preserved, allowing you to enter a whole new world every time you choose to visit the Coliseum.
- My Fair Lady (2003)
- Cats (2003)
- Beauty and the Beast (2008)
- Saturday Night Fever (2009)
- Chicago (2009)
- Hair (2011)
- Aladdin (2023)
Know before you go
- Address: C.Gran Vía, 78, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
- Bike: Bikes rented via the BiciMAD bike-share scheme may be docked at Plaza de España.
- Bus: The closest bus stop to Coliseum Theater is Plaza de España, which is a two-minute walk away from the theater and services 3, 25, 39, 46, 74, 75, 138, 148, 500, and C2 bus routes. Lines 001, 1, 2, 44, 62, 133, C1, C2, N16, N18, N19, N20, and N21 also stop within the vicinity of Coliseum Theater.
- Metro: The closest metro stop to the theater is Plaza de España, which is a minute away by foot and services the lines L2, L3, and L10. The next closest stop is Santo Domingo, which is about 5 minutes away and services the L2 line.
- Car: Gran Via is a high-traffic area, so it isn’t too convenient for patrons arriving in their vehicles. We recommend using a taxi and hopping off near the entrance instead. If you choose to drive there, be sure to arrive early to avoid delays. It’s also best to pre-book your parking spot at a nearby garage to avoid the hassle of finding one last minute. Additionally, Madrid sometimes implements restrictions to control traffic at Gran Via, so be sure to check the updated traffic regulations beforehand.
- Parking: The nearest parking spaces to Coliseum Theater are Parking Saba Plaza Montenses, Onepark, and Garaje REIM, all within 5 minutes of the theater. You could also try booking a spot via apps like APK2, which offer spaces at Gran Vía - Isabel La Católica and Plaza de Oriente. There are plenty more garages within the vicinity of the theater, so even if the ones closest fill up, there are always more options to choose from.
- Recommended mode of transport: Since the Gran Via is prone to heavy traffic, we recommend the subway as the quickest way to get to your show on time.
- Snack bar: Guests may purchase snacks and refreshments at the premises. Premium ticket holders have access to a range of cocktails.
- Cloakroom: Smaller baggage that fits within your assigned seat space may accompany you into the theater, but all other baggage and coats must be checked at the cloakroom.
- Restrooms: Guests can access restrooms at various locations on the premises.
- Audiovisual Accessibility: Magnetic induction loop headsets are available, upon request.
- Arrive early: We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your show to avoid delays getting in. If you plan to drive, we recommend arriving even earlier to allow yourself ample time.
- Food policy: No outside food or drink is permitted inside the theater. Refreshments and snacks are available for purchase at the theater.
- Dress code: There is no set dress code for Coliseum Theater. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably but are reminded to dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Baggage: As a relatively smaller theater, the Coliseum tends to have smaller seats and limited storage. Guests are advised to travel light and check their bags and coats in the cloakroom.
With its central location, Coliseum Theater offers its patrons the opportunity to experience the heart of the city both through its wonderful productions and its proximity to some of the best eateries in town.
- Nice to Meet You Restaurant & Lounge: A bar and grill restaurant located right next to Coliseum, this terrace lounge offers some of the best views of the city, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
- Directions
- Punch Room at The Madrid EDITION: One of the best places for a few drinks before or after your show. As the name implies, it’s particularly known for its punch.
- Directions
- Bar Tapería TapaSpaña: For a casual, authentically Spanish experience, try TapaSpaña’s selection of seafood, tapas, and wine.
- Directions
to Bar Tapería TapaSpaña
- VEGA Alamo: An affordable organic, vegan restaurant, this terrace setting is perfect for a relaxing evening on the town.
- Directions
to VEGA Alamo
- GastroVía 61 at Hotel Mayorazgo: An elegant, sophisticated restaurant serving regional dishes and some of the best wines in the area.
- Directions to GastroVía 61 at Hotel Mayorazgo
Frequently asked questions about Coliseum Theater
The theater is 92 years old.
Musician Jacinto Guerrero commissioned the building in 1931.
The theater’s unique architectural design, a blend of Spanish aesthetics and turn-of-the-decade Art Deco made it a unique fixture on Madrid’s own “Broadway Street,” Gran Via. As such, it earned itself a spot on the city’s list of buildings that are protected due to cultural and historical significance.
C.Gran Vía, 78, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
The theater is accessible via car or taxi, bike, bus, and the metro.
The theater holds approximately 1,400 patrons at a time.
The theater is equipped with audiovisual aids for patrons with seeing or hearing needs.
The theater has staged productions of My Fair Lady, Cats, Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever, Chicago, and, more recently, Aladdin.
Aladdin opened in 2023 at the theater and continues its successful run in Spanish at the Coliseum.
There is no set dress code at this theater. However, it is recommended patrons dress for the occasion anyway. The theater boasts remarkably opulent interiors and emits an old-world charm, so guests might consider that when selecting their outfits.
Ticket prices vary depending on the show, timings, seat locations, season, and more. Tickets for Aladdin at the Coliseum Theater start at $30.
Seats toward the center of the Orchestra and the first Balcony offer some of the best views in the house. The Coliseum is a relatively taller theater, and the higher seats are less favored by patrons since it makes seeing the stage harder. Premium seats offer additional features and services for patrons looking to indulge themselves a bit.
The centrally-located Coliseum makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for, whether it be a fine dining experience or a quick bite on your way. Nice to Meet You Restaurant & Lounge offers some of the best views of the city alongside a stellar menu, while Punch Room at The Madrid EDITION is a great place for a few drinks before or after your show. Bar Tapería TapaSpaña offers a casual, authentically Spanish experience, while VEGA Alamo is an affordable option for vegans.
The Coliseum is located near some of Madrid's most beautiful buildings and landmarks. Be sure to stop by the Plaza de España and the Prado Museum. If you're unsure where to start, just walk down Gran Via and absorb the city's beauty and rich culture.
