The amazing ‘Spanish Sydney Opera House’

Though separated by 18,700 kilometres, these two buildings bear a striking resemblance to each other. So much so that many people cannot help but compare this Canarian auditorium to the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Let us explore this eye-catching Futurist structure that seems to unfurl along the Atlantic seashore.

This is the ‘Spanish Sydney Opera House’

The Tenerife Auditorium’s cultural programming of international performances has positioned it on par with other national opera houses. However, its strikingly magnificent architecture is what usually evokes comparisons with its Australian counterpart.

The Expressionist design of the Sydney Opera House presumably inspired renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to create what has also been dubbed the ‘Spanish Sydney Opera House’ or the ‘Sydney of the Atlantic’.

Inaugurated in 2003 after six years of construction, the auditorium sits along the seafront in the Canary capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on a rocky outcrop, where the likenesses of illustrious historical figures appear on the rocks.

Home to the Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife (or Tenerife Symphony Orchestra), the auditorium is not only the ideal place to enjoy good music, but also a place to appreciate an architectural design that has become an icon of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Spanish architecture.

Unique as the auditorium’s architecture may be, its setting only accentuates its singularity. The white-coloured auditorium contrasts with the darkened hues of 17th-century San Juan Bautista Castle, commonly called The Black Castle, once one of the city’s principal defensive fortresses.

Rising behind the auditorium stand the Santa Cruz Towers, twin 120-metre-tall residential buildings, distinctive landmarks of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

What to see at the Tenerife Auditorium

The ‘Spanish Sydney Opera House’ on the Atlantic coast is a cultural centre dedicated to music and opera. Every year the Ópera de Tenerife cultural programming season offers unforgettable performances for people of all ages, where literature, music, painting and the performing arts come to life on its stages. A unique opportunity to enjoy art within the confines of an artistic masterpiece itself.

In addition to its cultural programming, the site hosts an array of events, conferences, conventions and seminars. Undoubtedly, the Tenerife Auditorium is worth seeing from both inside and outside, regardless of anyone’s personal tastes in architecture.

The building sits within a 23,000 m2 space providing separate areas for a variety of events. Notable mentions are its spacious plaza, the Symphony Hall, the Chamber Hall, and the Main Hall, in addition to the spectacular views from the Castillo and Puerto Galleries. A visit to the terraces offers extraordinary panoramic views of the ocean, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and its surrounding landscape.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

 

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