First theatre
In the state.
Prefeitura de Pelotas — Public domain · Scheridon — CC BY 4.0 · Scheridon — CC BY 4.0 · Eugenio Hansen, OFS — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Prefeitura de Pelotas — Public domain · Olimor — Public domain
The Theatro Sete de Abril, the «7 April» Theatre, opened in Pelotas on 2 December 1834 as the first theatre built in Rio Grande do Sul, during the dried-beef boom when Pelotas was one of Brazil's richest cities. It was commissioned by a private dramatic society that wanted as many families as possible to enjoy its shows, to a design by the German engineer Eduard van Kertchmar. The simple building, with a tiled roof and eaves, has the features of colonial architecture. Its name is read as a nod to the date Emperor Pedro I abdicated in favour of his son, which some liberals saw as Brazil's true independence day. The theatre was closed in 2010 for fear of collapse, underwent a full renovation from 2013 to 2026 and reopened to the public on 7 July 2026, the city's 214th anniversary. Check the programme.
In the state.
2013–2026.
Simple lines.
Central Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul
Yes, it reopened on 7 July 2026 after a renovation that began in 2013.
