The current auditorium of Teatro Grande was designed by architect Luigi Canonica and built in 1810. Girolamo Magnani decorated it in 1862.

The Ridotto (Foyer), opened in 1772, is one of the most outstanding examples of 18th century architectural pomp applied to a theatre. Its lovely ceiling depicts a sky populated by several Greek gods, and with a trompe-l’oeil balustrade all around.

One famous anecdote is that Puccini’s Madame Butterfly was enthusiastically received when it was performed here for the first time on May 28th 1904, after an unsuccessful first performance at Milan’s La Scala. This is where the opera’s fortune started.

Teatro Grande’s Season includes classic and contemporary productions ranging from opera to dance, music, and cultural events.

Every year in the springtime, Teatro Grande hosts the International Piano Festival of Brescia and Bergamo, one of the world’s main piano events.