Manila Metropolitan Theater

Manila Metropolitan Theater. Often called the "Grand Old Dame of Manila," it is a premier Art Deco performing arts venue located along Padre Burgos Avenue near the Manila City Hall and Rizal Park. Inaugurated in 1931, it served as the center of the country's cultural and theatrical life before falling into disrepair in the late 20th century. Following a major restoration, it reopened in 2021 under the stewardship of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

History

The theater was commissioned during the administration of Manila Mayor Tomás Earnshaw and designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano. Its grand opening on December 10, 1931, was a landmark event in the American colonial period of the Philippines, featuring the opera Aida by the Manila Grand Opera House company. It quickly became the preferred venue for major performances, hosting international artists and local productions by groups like the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Severely damaged during the Battle of Manila in World War II, it was restored in the 1970s under the patronage of First Lady Imelda Marcos and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. After a period of closure and neglect, it was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Architecture and design

The structure is considered a masterpiece of Philippine Art Deco, blending Western styles with indigenous Filipino motifs. Juan M. Arellano incorporated designs by Filipino artists such as Isabelo Tampingco and Francesco Riccardo Monti. The facade features intricate bas-reliefs and the iconic figures of Muses by sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti. Interior highlights include a magnificent stained glass curtain by Kraut Art Glass, ceiling murals by Antonio Dumlao, and ornate grillwork and carvings depicting local flora like the anahaw and kapok. The auditorium's design and acoustics were influenced by classical theaters like the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

Cultural significance

For decades, it was the epicenter of performing arts in the Philippines, rivaling venues like the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Folk Arts Theater. It hosted a wide array of events, from operas and zarzuelas to concerts by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and plays by the Repertory Philippines. The theater played a crucial role in the careers of National Artists such as Honorata "Atang" de la Rama and Levi Celerio. Its prominence made it a symbol of national cultural pride and a key institution in the development of modern Philippine theater and music.

Renovation and restoration

After decades of decay and misuse as a commercial space, a major restoration began in 2010 led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management. The project, which faced numerous delays and funding challenges, aimed to faithfully recover the original splendor documented in archives from the Library of Congress. Key challenges included repairing war damage, restoring the unique Kraut Art Glass installations, and retrofitting the structure to modern seismic standards while preserving its historical integrity, a process overseen by architects from the University of the Philippines.

Current use and management

Following its soft reopening in 2021, the theater is now actively managed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as a performing arts venue and museum. It hosts a regular schedule of productions, including collaborations with Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and the Philippine Educational Theater Association. The complex also houses gallery spaces and a cafe, contributing to the cultural revitalization of the Ermita district. Its operation is seen as vital to the cultural programming of Metro Manila and the broader arts community under institutions like the National Museum of the Philippines. Category:Theatres in Manila Category:Art Deco architecture in the Philippines Category:National Historical Landmarks of the Philippines