Visiting the Gran Teatre del Liceu

Accidents at the Liceu

The Liceu has been the site of significant historical moments in Barcelona. In 1861, due to a fire that started in the wardrobe, the entire auditorium and stage were destroyed. Shareholders unanimously demanded rapid reconstruction, which, thanks to their contributions, allowed the theater to be rebuilt within a year, underscoring its importance to Barcelona.

Less than thirty years later, in 1893, an anarchist threw two bombs into the auditorium during the season’s opening performance. Although only one bomb exploded, it caused 20 fatalities and several injuries. The attack was a response to the Liceu’s prestigious image as a theater reserved mainly for the bourgeoisie. Social tensions were high, and after the attack, the bourgeois class lived in fear of further attacks. Fortunately, the theater was able to reopen the following year.

In the 1980s, the theater’s financial situation led to the formation of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Consortium, initially made up of the Generalitat, the Barcelona City Council, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu Society, placing the theater under public administration. However, the financial situation did not significantly improve.

In 1994, the Liceu suffered another fire, impacting Catalan society deeply. Several institutions and companies donated funds to restore the building, and reconstruction work began immediately, incorporating advanced fire-prevention technology. During reconstruction, the Consortium organized performances in theaters around Barcelona to continue sharing its art and culture.

Finally, in 1999, the new theater reopened with a performance of Turandot. This new chapter brought a refreshed image of the Liceu, now accessible to the public with the main goal of reaching as many citizens as possible and providing artistic opportunities to musicians from across the country.