• Architect: Antonio Palacios
• Built: 1925
• Address: C/ Policarpo Sanz, 13

This is one of the most representative buildings in Vigo. The building as it now stands is a result of the reconstruction of the old Rosalía de Castro Theatre (named after the famous poetess), that burned down in 1910 during the Carnival Ball.

To keep the theatre alive, the family of the philanthropist José García Barbón commissioned work on a new building to the architect Antonio Palacios. He designed a monumental style building which was to incorporate several functions, such as a cinema, a casino, and a theatre.

The main entrance hall, the grand stairway and a circular theatre were to be located on the ground floor. Taking advantage of the sloped nature of the site, above this there would be a cinema and a restaurant area. These days the layout has changed and there is now a theatre/concert hall which seats 994, a conference hall seating 475, rooms for meetings and seminars and a library.

Architecturally, the main façade is interesting as there is a clear influence of the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris and the Arriaga Theatre in Bilbao. This is reflected in the curved design of the façade and the way it is divided in three using great buttresses. On the facades at the side the style is more formal and decorative elements are used more sparingly, apart from a large glass window on either side.

The building was acquired by the Caixanova Savings Bank with the intention of setting up a cultural centre and was completely restored by the architect Desiderio Pernas from 1982 to 1984. It was re-roofed using copper above the library. The bronze horse sculptures by Juan Oliveira were added on the buttresses of the main façade. Other stone figures by Manuel Buciños representing art, theatre, sculpture, literature, cinema and music were also added. The new theatre was officially opened on the 22^nd of March 1984.