4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Rome, Italy

Background Illustration for Performing Arts

One of the pleasures of Rome is seeing a performance in one of the city's stunning venues, ancient or modern. This is the city where you might experience classical opera performed in the 3rd-century-AD Terme di Caracalla, or enjoy an experimental dance show in the postindustrial detergent factory Teatro India, or see a contemporary performance at the Renzo Piano–designed Auditorium Parco della Musica.

In summertime, most of the performing arts events move outdoors–-any public space is fair game. Keep an eye on the Estate Romana www.estateromana.comune.roma.it to find out what's happening in Rome on any night of the week. There is enough entertainment in Rome to take your breath away, in any season and in any location.

Auditorium Parco della Musica

Flaminio Fodor's Choice

Architect Renzo Piano conceived and constructed the Auditorium Parco della Musica, a futuristic complex made up of three enormous, pod-shaped concert halls, which have hosted some of the world's greatest music acts. The Sala Santa Cecilia is a massive hall for grand orchestra and choral concerts; the Sala Sinopoli is more intimately scaled for smaller troupes; and the Sala Petrassi was designed for alternative events. All three are arrayed around the Cavea (amphitheater), a vast outdoor Greco-Roman-style theater. The Auditorium also hosts seasonal festivals, including the Rome Film Fest.

Oratorio del Gonfalone

Campo de' Fiori Fodor's Choice

Incredibly well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes of the passion of the Christ line the walls at this small but intimate concert venue. Classical concerts---ranging from piano concertos to choir performances---are scheduled weekly.  This venue is not accessible without a concert ticket or an appointment booked in advance.

Oratorio del Gonfalone

Campo de' Fiori Fodor's Choice

A small concert hall with an internationally recognized series of Baroque classics, the Oratorio del Gonfalone's mid-16th century frescoed walls are painted in high Mannerist style—a beautiful accompaniment to the music.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia

Flaminio

One of the oldest conservatories in the world (founded 1585) has a program of performances ranging from classical to contemporary and a lineup of world-renowned artists. The Renzo Piano–designed Auditorium Parco della Musica hosts Santa Cecilia's shows in its three music concert halls.

Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30, Rome, 00196, Italy
06-80242501

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