Visiting the Carlo Felice Theater is like traveling through time. A journey to discover the connections to the past and the technology of a stage machinery system that makes this theater one of the most interesting in Europe.
In fact, the building brings together memories of the past—such as the marble statue of Saint Dominic by Francesco—and contemporary works of art, such as the frescoes by Aurelio Caminati and the tapestries by Raimondo Sirotti in the imposing foyer.
The foyer leads to the main auditorium, which occupies the entire interior of the building. Here, the architects have recreated the atmosphere of the ancient open-air theaters in city squares where performances were staged outdoors in city centers. This is reflected in the windows and balconies along the walls, reminiscent of the facades of Genoa’s palaces, and the ceiling dotted with 160 lights that evoke a starry sky.
The technological heart of the theater is a 63-meter-tall stage tower and four movable stages (the main stage, the rear stage, and two lower stages placed side by side), which allow for the staging of complex productions or alternating performances.