Activities · Cali

Teatro Jorge Isaacs

Teatro Jorge Isaacs is a 1931 theater at Carrera 3 #12-28, in downtown Cali, facing the square of the same name. It's a national monument and today hosts concerts, comedy and theater; you visit it by going to a show.

Price: Depends on the show; tickets are sold through each event's ticketing site
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Address: Carrera 3 #12-28, San Pedro, Centro, Cali

See on the map Google Maps

It was built in 1931 by engineer Hermann Bohmer in honor of Jorge Isaacs, author of the novel María. It served as a movie theater and performance venue, and in 1984 it was declared a national monument. The city bought it in 1986 and restored it with an orchestra pit, an acoustic shell and stage lighting.

The orange and white facade faces Plaza Jorge Isaacs, next to the Coltabaco building and a few blocks from La Ermita and the Bulevar del Río. Inside, the ceiling of the hall has frescoes by Italian artist Mauricio Ramelli. Locals single it out for its acoustics.

The historic center was damaged in the August 10, 2026 earthquake and the Teatro Municipal is still closed. We found no report of damage at the Jorge Isaacs, and Kraken Sinfónico is announced for October 17, 2026. Before you buy, confirm the show is still on.

What to see

The 1931 facade on Plaza Jorge Isaacs.
The frescoes on the hall's ceiling.
A concert or play in a hall with good acoustics.

Getting there

Taxi or ride-hailing app to Carrera 3 and Calle 12, downtown.
On foot from the Bulevar del Río or La Ermita, about three blocks.

Tips

Look for the listings on the ticketing site of the event you're interested in; the theater doesn't have its own program page.
At night, arrive and leave by taxi: downtown is empty.
Buy your ticket through official channels and arrive half an hour early.