Teatru Manoel

Teatru Manoel is a theatre and eminent performing arts venue in Old Theatre Street in Valletta. It is the oldest operational theatre in the Commonwealth of Nations & the third-oldest working theatre in Europe. It is an architectural marvel with a white Carrara marble staircase and Viennese chandeliers.

Teatru Manoel put up a wide selection of theatrical productions in English as well as Maltese, musical recitals (including lunchtime recitals in Sala Isouard), poetry recitals, dramatic readings, opera, and more. The theatre regards itself as the national theatre of Malta and the homeland of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. It was initially known as the Teatro Pubblico, but its name was changed to Teatro Reale (Theatre Royal) in 1812. Laterwards, in 1866, it was further renamed as Teatru Manoel. The theatre is named after Fra António Manoel de Vilhena, the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, who commissioned its construction in 1731. Even after several modifications over the years, it has retained much of its authentic architectural features. Also, the theatre is on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands list.