Teatro Carignano

Visiting Teatro Carignano in Turin, Italy: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Turin’s historical center, Teatro Carignano stands as a testament to over 250 years of Italian theatrical and architectural excellence. Commissioned by the Princes of Carignano and designed by Benedetto Alfieri, this Baroque gem continues to play a pivotal role in the city’s cultural life. With its intimate horseshoe-shaped auditorium, lavish interiors, and storied past—intertwined with the Risorgimento and Italian unification—Teatro Carignano is much more than a monument; it is an active, vibrant theater at the core of Turin’s identity (Turismo Torino; Guida Torino).

This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: opening hours, ticketing, guided tours, accessibility, performance highlights, travel tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a lover of performing arts, or a curious traveler, Teatro Carignano is an essential stop in exploring Turin.

Meeting about Cavour held by Liceo Classico Cavour in Carignano Theatre Turin on 30th March 2010

Suspenseful scene from the 1975 film Profondo Rosso

Teatro Carignano in Torino Italy exterior September 2012

Engraving of Turin's Piazza Carignano showing Palazzo Carignano and surrounding landmarks

History and Significance

Teatro Carignano was established in 1753, growing out of the aristocratic ambitions of the House of Savoy’s Carignano branch. Designed by Benedetto Alfieri, the theater quickly became a focal point of Turin’s social and artistic scene. Over the centuries, it has hosted premieres by playwrights like Vittorio Alfieri and composers including Giacomo Puccini. The theater is also intimately linked to the Italian unification movement, serving as a gathering place for political and cultural leaders during the Risorgimento (Guida Torino).

Architectural Highlights

Exterior and Urban Setting

Located at Piazza Carignano, 6, the theater is flanked by key Turin landmarks, including Palazzo Carignano and Piazza San Carlo. Its Baroque façade, with elegant symmetry, pilasters, and restrained ornamentation, reflects the grandeur of 18th-century Piedmontese architecture while harmonizing with the urban landscape (Guida Torino).

Auditorium and Interiors

The horseshoe-shaped auditorium, accommodating about 800 guests, is renowned for its excellent acoustics and sightlines. Lavish red velvet upholstery, gilded stuccoes, intricate ceiling frescoes, and a stunning 19th-century chandelier create a sense of historical opulence. Four tiers of boxes and a gallery (“gods”) offer an intimate setting that has witnessed centuries of performances (Historic Teatro Carignano architecture).

Stage and Technical Features

The theater’s stage is equipped for a diverse range of productions, from classical drama to contemporary works. Sensitive modernization has preserved historical machinery and integrated advanced lighting and sound systems. Guided tours often include backstage areas, showcasing original features and the evolution of stagecraft (Guida Torino).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Performances: Tuesday to Sunday evenings, with weekend matinees.
Box Office: Usually open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturdays.
Guided Tours: “Scena Aperta” dramatized tours run Saturdays and Sundays, February–July 2025, at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Note: Hours may vary for holidays and special events. Confirm on the official website before visiting.

Tickets and Pricing

Performances: Prices start at €16.30, depending on event and seat category. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups.
Guided Tours: “Scena Aperta” tours cost approximately €5 (plus commission).
Where to Buy: Purchase online via the Teatro Stabile di Torino website, through Vivaticket, or at the box office.
Entry: Show your digital or printed ticket at the main entrance; security checks are routine.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Step-free access to foyer and auditorium, with designated seating. Upper tiers may not be accessible.
Assistance: Notify the box office in advance for personalized support.
Restrooms: Accessible facilities available.

Guided Tours and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

“Scena Aperta” Tours: Led by actors in period costume, these immersive tours reveal the theater’s history through dramatized stories and access to the auditorium, backstage, and historic underground spaces. Tours are in Italian, with select English-language dates (Dramatized guided tours at Teatro Carignano).
Private Tours: Available by appointment for groups or special interests.

Special Events and Seasonal Highlights

Summer Shakespeare Season (“Prato Inglese”): Outdoor productions on the theater’s “English lawn,” including “Racconto d’inverno” and “Pene d’amor perdute” (June–July 2025), directed by Jurij Ferrini (Summer Shakespeare season details).
Citywide Festivals: Hosts events for the Torino Fringe Festival and other prominent cultural celebrations (Torino Fringe Festival info).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: Centrally located, Teatro Carignano is accessible by tram and bus (lines 7, 13, 15, 55, 56 at Piazza Castello; 4, 11, 58, 72 at Piazza Bertola). The Porta Nuova metro station is a 10-minute walk away. Limited parking is available at the “San Carlo” garage (Public transport info; Turin parking info).
Nearby Sights: Explore Palazzo Carignano, the Royal Palace, Piazza San Carlo, and the Egyptian Museum (Explore Turin historical sites).
Dining: Enjoy Piedmontese cuisine at nearby restaurants or classic cafés like Platti Caffè and Baratti & Milano (Turin dining near Teatro Carignano).
Combine Visits: Pair your theater experience with a walking tour of Turin’s architectural treasures.

Visitor Services

Cloakroom: For coats and bags.
Foyer Bar: Located in the historic underground beer cellar, open pre-show and during intermissions.
Restrooms: On main and mezzanine levels.
Merchandise: Programs, books, and souvenirs available.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress Code: Smart-casual to formal for evening shows.
Timing: Arrive 30 minutes early; late arrivals may be seated at intermission.
Photography: Not permitted during performances.
Mobile Devices: Silence phones before entering the auditorium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Teatro Carignano’s opening hours?
Regular hours: Tuesday to Sunday, with evening performances and weekend matinees. Guided tours are weekends from February to July. Confirm specifics on the official site.

How can I buy tickets?
Purchase online via Teatro Stabile di Torino, Vivaticket, or at the box office.

Is Teatro Carignano wheelchair accessible?
Yes, with step-free entry and reserved seating. Contact the box office in advance for assistance.

Are guided tours available in English?
Yes, on select dates during the “Scena Aperta” season (events calendar).

Can I take photos inside?
Not during performances, but photos are allowed in public areas.

Final Tips and Summary

Teatro Carignano is more than a historic venue—it’s a living embodiment of Turin’s artistic spirit and civic pride. From its opulent Baroque interiors and innovative programming to its welcoming, accessible environment, the theater offers a rewarding experience for every visitor. Plan ahead by booking your tickets early, taking a guided tour, exploring nearby attractions, and immersing yourself in Turin’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.

For updates, exclusive content, and event information, download the Audiala app and follow Teatro Carignano’s social channels. Make your visit to Turin unforgettable by stepping into the world where history, architecture, and performance art meet.