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The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso is once again undergoing renovations due to serious damage from termites and structural issues, less than a decade after its last major restoration, which cost millions of pesos.
The iconic capital coliseum "is undergoing a constructive investment process for its main hall and several spaces, in order to reintegrate its excellent artistic programming as soon as possible,” reported the magazine Hola Habana from the television center Canal Habana through its profile on Facebook.
Two and a half years ago, in February 2023, it was reported that the facility had once again closed its doors due to damage in the main hall, caused by termites and detachment in the upper slab, according to management.
In this regard, the president of the National Council of Performing Arts, Lillitsy Hernández Oliva, specified that there were also leaks in the air conditioning system, issues with the ceiling on the third floor, and damage caused by sound vibrations.
The theater, home of the National Ballet of Cuba and venue for major national and international events, underwent a major renovation between 2013 and 2015, with a multimillion-dollar investment that included the restoration of facades, lobbies, boxes, ceilings, and stages.
The facility was also equipped with new furniture, curtains, an air conditioning system, acoustic improvements, stage mechanics, rehearsal rooms for the dancers and the orchestra, a recording studio, and over 20 dressing rooms.
It was reopened in January 2016, weeks before the official visit of then-President of the United States, Barack Obama, who delivered a speech to the people of Cuba from there.
The new intervention has generated criticism on social media. Several users expressed regret over the lack of maintenance and transparency in the use of resources.
“A theater that was restored not long ago, and we’re back to the same issue,” commented Carlos Sanabria, while Yoa Pzm wrote: “Obviously, they stole the money and resources during its capital recovery.”
Recent images of the GTH, one of the most iconic architectural and cultural symbols of Cuba, showed its portals dirty, with garbage piled up in the corners, visible urine stains on the columns, and homeless people sleeping at its entrance.
Worse luck has befallen the once emblematic Teatro Musical de La Habana, a space that once shone as a cultural epicenter, which today lies completely abandoned, turned into a dump in Centro Habana.
In Matanzas, the iconic Sauto theater, is suffering from vandalism and other assaults, with mentally ill individuals wandering through its premises.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Restoration of the Great Theatre of Havana
Why does the Gran Teatro de La Habana need a new restoration?
The Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso requires a new restoration due to serious termite issues and structural damage. These problems arose less than a decade after its last major repair, which cost millions of pesos. This situation has led to criticism regarding the quality of investments and maintenance.
What are the main criticisms of the management of the Gran Teatro de La Habana?
Criticism of the management of the Gran Teatro de La Habana focuses on the lack of maintenance and transparency in the use of resources. Many users have pointed out that the multimillion-dollar investment made less than a decade ago has not been effective, as the theater is once again facing structural and infrastructure issues.
How is the deterioration of the Gran Teatro affecting its surroundings and the community?
The deterioration of the Gran Teatro de La Habana is negatively affecting its surroundings, as reports indicate the accumulation of garbage, urine stains on the columns, and homeless individuals sleeping at its entrance. This scenario of neglect and urban decay has sparked outrage among the community and raises serious questions about the care of Cuba's cultural and architectural heritage.
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