The theatre was named after the most celebrated music composer from Bergamo, famous all over the world. Teatro Donizetti covers a total area of 3200 square meters. The hall’s dimensions respect the original 1786 design: it measures 360 square meters and it’s able to seat 532 people.
It’s easy to understand how magnificent this building is and how astonished the Bergamo citizens were as they saw it, in an age when there only were small and temporary wooden theatres.
Due to its sound harmony and distribution, the theatre is considered one of the best ones in Italy.
Originally named “Riccardi” after its maker, this Theatre is mostly renown as the place where Donizetti’s operas (more than 70!) were spread and appreciated by his fellow citizens.
The Teatro Riccardi was built in 1791, featuring a plastered façade and a small portico, very different from today. An arson destroyed it in 1798, so it was rebuilt and opened back in 1800.
In 1897, during the 100th anniversary of Gaetano Donizetti’s birth, the Teatro Riccardi took the name of the famous composer.
After the enlargement and refurbishing works started in 1958, in 1964 the renovated theatre started a new season of great success.
After the enlargement and refurbishing works started in 1958, in 1964 the renovated theatre started a new season of great success.
In 1966 the Municipality obtained the exclusive management of the theatre. In 1968 the Donizetti was included in the list of the “Teatri di tradizione – Tradition Theatres”, as an acknowledgment of its cultural identity.