One of the most imposing and beautiful buildings in Rio de Janeiro, the Theatro Municipal, inaugurated on July 14, 1909, is considered the main performance venue in Brazil and one of the most important in South America. The Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro, with a capacity of 2,222 spectators, was inaugurated by President Nilo Peçanha and Mayor Sousa Aguiar on July 14, 1909, four and a half years after construction began.