Malibran Theatre 2026

One of Venice’s oldest and most storied theatres

Teatro Malibran is one of the oldest theatres in Venice — and one of the most atmospheric. It opened in 1678 as the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo, built by the patrician Grimani family, and in 1835 was renamed in honour of Maria Malibran, the legendary mezzo-soprano who sang here and waived her fee to help the theatre. It stands near the Rialto, on the site traditionally linked to the family home of Marco Polo.

Beautifully restored and reopened in 2001, the Malibran is today the second stage of the Fondazione Teatro La Fenice, hosting opera, ballet and concerts in a more intimate setting than La Fenice itself. Browse everything currently scheduled below and choose the night that fits your visit to the floating city.

Finding Teatro Malibran

Venice has no cars: you arrive on foot or by vaporetto (water bus). The nearest stop is Rialto, a short walk through the lanes to the theatre, tucked away on the Calle del Teatro near the Rialto market. Allow a little extra time — half the pleasure is finding your way through Venice on the way.