The Peón Contreras is set for its triumphant return in November 2025

The José Peón Contreras theater will reopen this year, likely in November, according to Yucatán’s culture ministry. 

The theater, which opened its doors in 1908, has long been a staple of cultural life in Mérida. It is home to Yucatán’s Symphonic Orchestra and the stage for countless operas, ballet performances, and plays. 

If the José Peón Contreras indeed reopens in November 2025, it will have remained closed for three years after a devastating fire destroyed its interior in November 2022.

Since the fire, much criticism has been directed towards the state government for the slow pace of restoration. But state and federal authorities say they have been working as fast as they can, and the delays come down to the fact that restoration efforts of this kinda are like putting together a giant puzzle with pieces missing. 

“We understand the public frustration, but this is extremely delicate work, and we’d rather get it right instead of meeting some unrealistic deadline,” said Patricia Martín Briceño of Yucatán’s culture ministry.

It has been suggested that the theater’s lobby, where the fire damage was less severe, could open slightly before the rest of the complex, allowing for a soft re-opening featuring art exhibits. 

According to the restoration team from INAH, one of the most significant factors slowing work down is the painstaking process of rehabilitating balconies and other sitting areas while ensuring their safety and the theater’s original aesthetic. 

The restoration team has also announced that original plasterwork depicting golden cherubs and flowers, previously covered by improper maintenance work nearly half a century ago, will be uncovered. 

The theater’s frescoes, especially those on the central dome painted in 1907, which were reportedly damaged nearly beyond recognition, are also proving to be extremely time-consuming.

The state of the fresco-adorned dome at the Peón Contreras, known as “Las Musas,” was painted in 1907, but no images of its current state have been allowed to be published. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

There has been no word regarding the implementation of fire safety systems like sprinklers which could prevent such a disaster from happening in the future. 

Though cultural activities such as the State Symphony performances have continued at other venues, including the Museo de la Musica, lovers of the arts in Mérida await more news and a firmer date for the reopening of José Peón Contreras. 

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