The Seville City Council, through the Department of Culture, has reported that it continues to make progress in the rehabilitation works of the Lope de Vega Theater, an emblematic space of the city that, after years of abandonment, is being recovered by the government of José Luis Sanz to ensure its reopening in September 2026, coinciding with the next Flamenco Biennial.
The delegate for Tourism and Culture, Angie Moreno, appeared today at a press conference to report on the state of the works, emphasizing that the recovery of the theater has been an absolute priority for the government of José Luis Sanz from day one.
In this sense, the delegate for Tourism and Culture has stated that «we are here today to talk about the present and the future of the Lope de Vega Theater, a cultural space emblematic of our city that, after years of abandonment, is in the process of recovery to restore the splendor it deserves. But before delving into the details of the renovation, I want to make it clear why we reached this situation. The deplorable state of the theater is not a result of chance, but of years of neglect by the previous government. So much so that the conditions in which it was found put at risk the safety of the workers, the companies, and the artists.»
Moreno has recalled that in September 2022, the PSOE government closed the theater in an improvised manner and without a plan, leaving its future hanging just before the Flamenco Biennial, the city’s most important cultural event, and has pointed out that «today, those who abandoned the Lope de Vega, those who blocked its rehabilitation, now come with opportunistic and populist speeches trying to present themselves as its saviors.»
Since the arrival of the Government of José Luis Sanz, the City Council has worked continuously on the recovery of the theater, overcoming administrative obstacles and opposition blockages. In this regard, Moreno has recalled that the PSOE voted against the budget modification presented at the Municipal Plenary on May 28, 2023, which resulted in a delay of months in the start of the works and declared that «despite this, the City Council did not stop and today, with an investment of more than 2 million euros for the reopening of the Lope de Vega, there are already 1.7 million euros in execution and processing for the rehabilitation of the theater. A figure that confirms that we have been working for a long time to make the reopening of the Lope de Vega a reality.»
Likewise, the Councilor for Culture has pointed out that «this would not have been achieved without serious and committed management from the very beginning. We are carrying out a high-quality integral renovation, not only inside the theater but also in its annexed spaces and surroundings. It is not just a facelift, but a meticulous and far-reaching intervention.»
In addition to the theater’s rehabilitation, the City Council is already working on the cultural programming for the upcoming seasons, which is why Angie Moreno has reported that «we not only want to rehabilitate the building but also ensure that it has a programming worthy of its history and importance for Seville. We are already working on the 2026/2027 season, ensuring a top-level offer with renowned artists and companies.»
«Likewise, the renovation of the Lope de Vega will be accompanied by an intervention in its urban surroundings, with an investment of more than 5 million euros for the reurbanization, the improvement of garden areas, and the definitive elimination of the unaesthetic caracoles,» added Angie Moreno.
Finally, Angie Moreno concluded that «the Lope de Vega Theater is closer than ever to regaining its splendor. Not thanks to those who abandoned it, but thanks to the government of José Luis Sanz who believes in culture, who works seriously, and who keeps his word.»
Completed and Ongoing Actions
Currently, many of the improvements are already completed or in progress, ensuring that the theater will be fully operational for the 2026 Flamenco Biennial.
Among the completed works, the restoration and setting up of the main lamp of the theater stand out, which has been completely rehabilitated to restore its original splendor, the acquisition of new digital projectors, which will improve the quality of the productions and guarantee a top-level visual experience, and the digitization of the sound and lighting system, an essential modernization to adapt the theater to current technical needs and optimize its performance.
Moreover, other key elements are in the process of processing or execution. The lifting platform for work at height on the stage is already in the process of purchase and will be fully installed by the end of 2025, thus facilitating scenic setups with greater safety and efficiency. Similarly, the stage machinery and the elevator, fundamental pieces for the correct operation of the theater, will be installed before the end of 2025. As for the fire curtain, an essential element for the safety of the venue, its installation will be completed in April 2026, ensuring that the theater complies with current regulations on fire protection.
On the other hand, improvements in the interior of the theater are also progressing according to the planned schedule. The setting up of seats, carpets, and backdrops, which will include the replacement of materials with fireproof fabrics to comply with safety regulations, will begin next week with dismantling works. This action will be complemented by general carpentry, bathroom adaptations, and interior and exterior painting of the theater, which will be completed within the same timeframe, ensuring that the Lope de Vega not only regains its functionality but also looks completely renewed and up to its importance as a cultural landmark of Seville.
With these advancements, the Seville City Council reaffirms its commitment to the Lope de Vega Theater, ensuring that it will be a renovated, modern, and safe space, ready to once again be the great cultural reference of the city.
