Considered one of the most beautiful examples of Italian-style theatre, the Municipal Theatre of Ferrara was built between 1773 and 1797, designed by Antonio Foschini and Cosimo Morelli, and inaugurated in 1798 with the opera Gli Orazi e i Curiazi by Marco Portogallo. It is located on Corso Martiri della Libertà, in the historic center just a few meters from the Estense Castle. On March 21, 2014, the theatre was dedicated to the memory of Claudio Abbado, founder of Ferrara Musica and a key figure in the city of Ferrara for 25 years with memorable operas and concerts.

It is one of the 28 legally recognized “theatres of tradition” in Italy. In addition to being the stage for over 160 performances each year, including plays, dance, opera, concerts, experimental theatre, and children’s theatre, it is also the most elegant and spacious conference hall in the historic center of Ferrara. Throughout the year, it hosts important conferences during cultural festivals, journalistic meetings, debates, and art conventions. From September to June, the Municipal Theatre of Ferrara is open to the public for guided tours. The hall is horseshoe-shaped with five tiers of boxes and a gallery, totaling 924 seats.