The Arriaga Theatre

The Arriaga Theatre, an eclectic jewel of Bilbao

The Arriaga Theatre is one of the finest buildings of Bilbao, by the Ría and at the gates of the Casco Viejo. The Bilbao audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this eclectic theatre, inspired by the Paris Opera.

A theatre inspired by the Paris Opera

Inaugurated in 1890, the Arriaga Theatre is an astonishing building in the eclectic style, whose architecture is inspired by the Opéra Garnier of Paris. It bears the name of Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, a Bilbao composer nicknamed the Spanish Mozart. Richly decorated, located on the Arenal by the Ría, it is one of the finest monuments of the city and a high place of the cultural life of Bilbao.

What to see

You admire the richly decorated eclectic façade of the Arriaga Theatre, inspired by the Paris Opera, by the Ría. Attending a show remains the best way to discover this high cultural place. It is a stop for lovers of architecture and performance, at the gates of the Casco Viejo.

Practical information

The Arriaga Theatre lies on the Arenal, by the Ría, at the gates of the Casco Viejo of Bilbao, reachable on foot. The façade can be freely admired from the outside; the tours and the shows follow their own programme and access conditions, which vary. It is best to check the agenda in advance.

What is the Arriaga Theatre inspired by?

By the Paris Opera; inaugurated in 1890, it is in the eclectic style and bears the name of the Bilbao composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga.

Where is the Arriaga Theatre?

On the Arenal, by the Ría, at the gates of the Casco Viejo of Bilbao.