It was built between 1870 and 1873 to a design by engineer Alfonso Barbera, on the site cleared after the demolition of the ancient Church of San Giacomo. Its eclectic façade, marked by Tuscan half-columns and a wide sandstone portal, opens onto a horseshoe-shaped interior with three tiers of boxes, decorated with gilded stuccoes and red velvets, and a stalls area lit by a central Murano glass chandelier. The curtain, painted in 1875 by a pupil of Morelli, depicts the allegory of Poetry triumphantly leading the Arts, a symbol of the late 19th-century cultural spirit. The original armchairs – still in use – were restored in 2010 to ensure both comfort and preservation, while the royal box preserves coeval stuccoes and frescoes. Through decades of war, renovations, and functional adaptations, the Regina Margherita has hosted theatre premieres, symphonic concerts, avant-garde performances, and film screenings, establishing itself as a landmark of the performing arts and the beating heart of city life.
Today its program ranges from drama to contemporary dance, with festivals dedicated to young companies and international events; the acoustic adjustments completed in 2018 have made the stalls an ideal venue also for jazz and opera. Visiting the Teatro Regina Margherita means immersing yourself in over a century of cultural history, breathing the charm of the 19th century and the creative vitality of a city that continues to celebrate art with pride and authenticity.