World Masterpieces
Famous Stages of Theatre History
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Famous Stages of Theatre History
12
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Teatro Olimpico (Vicenza)
The auditorium
The semi-elliptical auditorium
is terraced and may host
up to 1000 spectators.
In the foreground is a triumphal arch decorated with statues of the famous members of Accademica Olimpica.
Three gates are also built
on the stage, through which perspectively formed make-believe houses can be seen.
Information
Designed by:
Andrea Palladio, Vincenzo Scamozzi
Built: 1580–1585
Location: Vicenza, Italy
UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site since 1994
Andrea Palladio (1508–1580)
Famous Italian architect. His palaces, villas and columns render him one of the most prominent representatives of Renaissance architecture.
23 buildings designed by him are UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites.
The Teatro Olimpico is located in the city of Vicenza, Italy. Built in the 16th century, this theatre was one of the first enclosed theatres in modern history inspired by ancient open-air theatres. The interior, e.g. the sky painted on the ceiling, was designed so as to create
the illusion of an open-air theatre.
Construction began in 1580 according to the designs
of Andrea Palladio. Unfortunately, the legendary architect did not live to see the opening of the theatre in 1585, so the final stages of the work were
supervised by his contemporary from Vicenza,
Vincenzo Scamozzi.
The construction of the balcony, the loggia and the front stage was carried out based on Palladio’s sketches but under Scamozzi’s direction. Therefore, he was the one to design the famous stage sets as well.
The first play
The opening play of the Teatro Olimpico was Oedipus the King by Sophocles in 1585.
