Published via Ecency

These snapshots 📸 are my submission for the #monomad challenge by @monochromes and @brumest.

The Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana is much more than a building; it is the epicenter of classical dance and opera in Cuba. Its imposing neo-Baroque facade is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The most relevant details about this cultural colossus include its history. The old Tacón Theater was originally inaugurated in 1838. At the time, it was the largest in the Americas and the third most technologically advanced after La Scala in Milan and the Vienna State Opera. The Palace of the Galician Center, the current building, inaugurated in 1914, was designed by the Belgian architect Paul Beleu to be the social headquarters of the Galician community in Cuba. Its name was changed in 2015 when the Council of State decided to rename it in honor of the prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, who founded the National Ballet of Cuba and considered this theater her artistic home from 1965. Its design is a blend of Neo-Baroque with elements of the Spanish and French Renaissance. The façade is decorated with four white marble sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti, symbolizing Charity, Education, Music, and Theater. The Federico García Lorca Hall is the main auditorium and seats approximately 1,500 spectators. It is renowned for its acoustics and majestic crystal chandelier. In the main lobby stands a bronze statue of Alicia Alonso, sculpted by José Villa Soberón, capturing the dancer at the height of her performance, a reminder of her enduring connection to this stage. Tip for your visit: If you have time, I recommend not only attending a performance but also inquiring about guided tours. These allow you to ascend to the upper levels, where you can closely appreciate the intricate metalwork of the ceilings and the details of the Carrara marble staircases.