Devastated in a fire in 1998, Lima’s Municipal Theatre was finally re-inaugurated in a majestic ceremony attended by the President.

Opening its doors for the first time since reconstruction finished this month, a grand celebration took place with a number of invited guests. Among them was the President, who used the opportunity to forward the candidacy of Lima mayor Casteñeda for the presidency, sidestepping the theme of the performing arts.

The work to restore the theatre, abandoned for 10 years after the tragic fire, cost $20 million dollars to complete. The team involved consisted of dozens of architects and engineers, sculptors and a number of alumni of the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes. The group state their intention was to respect the original look of the theatre – this involved decorating 350,000 ornaments in gold leaf.

The theatre was expanded during the construction to allow space for 95 musicians in the orchestra and 1000 visitors. Doors open to the public in December.

Photos: Andina/Vidal Tarqui

Tags: alan garcia, casteñeda, escuela nacional de bellas artes, lima, teatro municipal