Dom Pedro V Theatre

The Dom Pedro V opened in 1860 as a theatre for the Portuguese community and is generally identified as the first western-style theatre built anywhere in China, a green and white neoclassical building with a columned portico facing St Augustine's Square. The auditorium seats a few hundred. It fell into disuse for decades and was restored in the 2000s, and it now hosts concerts and performances again, which means it is often closed to casual visitors.

History

The local Portuguese built the theatre in 1860 in honour of their reigning king, Pedro V, and it became a regular meeting place for the Portuguese and Macanese of Macau; its present facade was added in 1873. In 2005 it became one of the sites of the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site, and in August 2017 Typhoon Hato damaged the ceiling of its portico (Wikipedia, Dom Pedro V Theatre).

What to look for

• The columned portico - the green and white neoclassical front on the square.
• The auditorium - the restored hall seating a few hundred.
• The 1860 date - the first western-style theatre built in China.
• The square setting - the building's place among the listed group around it.

When to go

October to December is dry and cool. The theatre opens to visitors only when not in use. Performance schedules close it without notice.

What to expect

It is frequently closed for performances and rehearsals with no notice. When open, only the foyer and auditorium can be seen. Half an hour covers it.

Nearby

St Augustine's Square surrounds it, and Senado Square is downhill.

Key facts