BY PABLO BARRERA / IMAGE FILES (PABLO BARRERA)

Quetzaltenango Municipal Theatre History, arquitectural jewel of the city, located on the historic centre, was built by initiative of the mayor back then, Manuel Estrada Cabrera, starting planes on 1889, by Manuel Lisandro Barillas, president of Guatemala, moved by Cabrera, declaring the need of a Theatre on the region.

Two years after beginning of plans, there was a contract between the city hall and Durini & Felici Company and Joaquín Rigalt to build the theatre.

The works were posponed by august 1894 due to problems of duty to the contract, leaving the execution of the works on Enrique Jones architect.

On july 19th 1895, date of birth of Justo Rufino Barrios, the building with french facade was opened with a show from a Guatemalan city opera company.

On April 18th 1902, during an earthquake on that time, the Theatre suffered serious damage, being proposed its demolition. However it was decided to be restored and on november 21st 1908, date of birth of president Manuel Estrada Cabrera, it opened to the public with it's Neoclasic facade, which was designed by Domingo Goicolea and built by Alberto Boj.