Teatro Margherita – The concrete giant rising over the sea of Bari

The Teatro Margherita, one of the historic landmarks of Bari, stands in the curve of the old harbor, with its foundations built directly over the Adriatic Sea. Its story began in 1910 with the Varietà Margherita, a wooden theater inaugurated on October 5, but destroyed by fire in 1911. Reconstruction took place between 1912 and 1914, this time using reinforced concrete, thanks to the design by Francesco De Giglio and the collaboration of Luigi Santarella. It became the first reinforced concrete building in Bari and the only theater in Europe built on stilts.

Inaugurated on August 22, 1914 as Kursaal Margherita, the theater hosted variety shows and later cinema screenings. During World War II, it was occupied by Anglo-American troops and damaged by bombings. After the war, it functioned as a cinema until 1979, when it was closed and abandoned.

A major restoration project, begun in 2009 and completed in 2018, transformed the theater into a contemporary art museum (BAC – Bari Arte Contemporanea), while preserving its original Liberty and Beaux-Arts architecture. Restoration works included foundation reinforcement, dome recovery, balcony expansion, and the conversion of the scenic tower into an exhibition space.

The façade features a large central arch, two towers with pinnacles, and decorated windows, while the interior retains domed halls, stuccoes, and murals by the Colonna decorators. The structure remains visible from the seafront and the city center, a symbol of Bari’s cultural heritage.

Curiosities

• The theater was built on stilts to bypass an agreement between the City of Bari and the Petruzzelli family, which prohibited new theaters within city limits
• The “Margherita slab” technique—a lightweight, durable concrete slab with hollow bricks—became a model exported across Europe
• In 1943, the theater was renamed Garrison Theatre during the Anglo-American occupation
• The seafront terrace was enclosed with wrought iron butterfly-shaped frames, honoring the original design
• After restoration, the theater hosted major international events, including the Van Gogh Alive multimedia exhibition, which attracted nearly 95,000 visitors

Access Information

Today, Teatro Margherita is a cultural center dedicated to contemporary art. Visitors can enjoy:

• Temporary and permanent exhibitions from the BAC collection
• Multimedia events, art performances, and cultural workshops
• Guided tours exploring the theater’s history and architecture

Visitor tips:

• Check the event calendar before visiting
• Book tickets in advance for popular exhibitions
• Elegant attire is recommended for evening performances
• Take advantage of the central location to explore Bari’s seafront and historic center

How to Get There

 Address: Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari

• By car: Parking available along the seafront and nearby streets
• By public transport: City buses stop near the seafront
• By train: Bari Centrale station is about 15 minutes on foot
• On foot or by bike: Easily accessible from the historic center, ideal for a seaside walk