Teatro Helénico

The Teatro Helénico is a major force in Mexico City’s theater scene. It’s technically a part of the Hellenic Cultural Center. But the theater program has long overshadowed many of the other good works of the center.

The overall institution dates back to 1973 when a Spanish bishop, Pablo de Ballester began the center. He was a strong supporter of Mexico City’s Greek cultural undertakings. Eventually, his initiatives found a home within a property formerly owned by art collector, Nicolás González Jáuregui.

The Hellenic Theater opened in 1979. This was after four years while the Mexico City government decided what to do with the extensive facility. Finally, the City donated the entire property to the Hellenic Institute. Architect Eduardo Luna Traill designed the Italian-style theater. And since 1990 it has been administered by Conaculta, The National Council for Culture and the Arts. This space hosts large-scale and medium-sized shows.. The theater opened shortly after. With seating for 460, 307 seats are arranged on the main floor, and a balcony includes seating for 153 more.

It’s been a fixture of the Mexico City theater scene ever since. Productions have included serious large-scale theatrical works, musicals, comedies, and productions especially for children. Many productions are more modest than some of the blockbusters for which the stage is famous. Since the Los Pinos complex became a cultural center in 2018, the Teatro Helénico has also presented multiple production there.

The cultural center complex here is also home to the popular Péndulo book shop, reportedly one of its best branches.