Cuba Guide
Cienfuegos and Villa Clara
Teatro Tomás Terry
Address: Parque José Martí 
43/51-3361 & 51-1026
Opening time: Guided tours daily 9am–6pm
Price: $1CUC plus an extra $1CUC to take photos and $2CUC to film with a video camera
The Teatro Tomás Terry has stood proudly on the northern edge of the Parque José Martí since its foundation in 1890. Music, dance and theatre productions are still staged here, and the Spanish colonial-style exterior is handsome, but the principal attraction for visitors is the glorious and captivating interior. The lobby sets the tone with walls covered by intricately painted flowers and a ceiling fresco by Camilo Salaya, a Filipino from Madrid. Note the statue of the theatre's namesake – a millionaire patron of the city, whose family funded a large part of the construction of the theatre – by the Neapolitan sculptor Tomaso Solari, which was shipped over from Italy. Fashioned on a traditional Italian design, with a semicircular auditorium and three tiers of balconies, the Tomás Terry is one of only three such theatres in Cuba, the other two found in Matanzas and Santa Clara. Almost everything here dates back to the original construction of the theatre, from the predominantly wooden 950-seat auditorium (restored in the mid-1960s), to the golden-framed stage sloping towards the front row to allow the audience an improved view, and even the ticket booths. In the centre of the ceiling, a dreamy Baroque-style fresco incorporates an ensemble of angelic figures representing Dawn (Aurora), surrounded by paintings of flowers and birds. Guided tours of the theatre are included in the entrance charge, unless rehearsals are taking place, and can be arranged through the adjoining shop. For details of performances either call or check the blackboards at the entrance.