Auditorio de Tenerife

Conceived by the visionary Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this striking edifice is more than just a concert hall – it’s a symbol of the Canary Islands’ creative spirit and a testament to the transformative power of architecture. With its soaring white curves and shimmering mosaic tiles, the Auditorio is a sight to behold, both inside and out.

So, join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this remarkable building. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and amazed by the Auditorio de Tenerife – a true gem in the crown of the Canary Islands.

In the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife stands an avant-garde architectural marvel, a magnificent masterpiece by Santiago Calatrava. The Auditorio de Tenerife, a symbol of the city and all the Canary Islands, is one of Spain’s most striking and significant art venues.

This innovative building impresses not only with its architectural forms but also its technical capabilities. Few opera houses in the world can match its stunning acoustics, and the sound of the Auditorio de Tenerife’s organ is simply unparalleled.

The enormous wing-like dome of the Auditorio is immediately visible upon entering Santa Cruz. The roof’s graceful curves shimmer with reflections of white mosaic tiles in the sunlight, contrasting beautifully with the blue ocean expanse and the island’s lush landscapes. The wave-like arches glow with bright neon lights under the tropical night sky. On regular days, the dome’s lighting is white; on holidays and special occasions, its color changes.

The idea to build a large concert hall in Tenerife emerged in 1970. The capital’s authorities spent considerable time choosing a site for the venue and seeking an architect worthy of the project. Finally, in 1978, they announced a design competition. It wasn’t until 1990 that Santiago Calatrava’s project was accepted. Construction began in 1997, and in the fall of 2003, the Auditorio on Avenida de La Constitución was inaugurated.

Description and Architecture

The Auditorio de Tenerife became a striking modern example of expressionist architecture. The Concert Hall covers an area of about 6,500 m². The total length of the roof structure, located at a height of 50 meters, reaches one hundred meters; it weighs 350 tons. The building’s curved exterior lines are repeated in the interior spaces and music halls of the Auditorio.

Two terraces facing the ocean – the Atlantic and the City terraces – are located on the building’s exterior. Two entrances to the lobby are situated on either side of the Concert Hall. The Auditorio building consists of a large lobby, two galleries, a Chamber Hall, and a Symphony Hall. The Symphony Hall, called the «heart» of the building, seats 1,616 spectators, while the Chamber Hall accommodates 422 people.

The Auditorio’s organ was designed by Catalan master Albert Blancafort. According to international experts, this instrument is unique in both structure and sound. The organ pipes (3,835 in total) are mounted under the ceiling along both walls on either side of the orchestra section. This number and arrangement of pipes creates a powerful surround sound effect.

Use

The Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra most frequently performs at the Auditorio. The Concert Hall’s playbill features classical and rock operas, musicals, jazz and dance programs, and master classes with world-renowned stars and opera festivals. Since 2007, it has become a tradition to hold the Cadena Dial radio station award ceremony here. Currently, many official events and conferences take place in the halls of the Auditorio de Tenerife.

How to get to the Auditorio de Tenerife?

Take bus № 014, 15, 026, 062, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 115 to the Intercambiador Santa Cruz stop.