Korai
Sq. is the main square of Piraeus and the Municipal Theater dominates it.
This building follows the designs (1881-1883) of the architect Ioannis Lazarimos,
the construction started in 1884 and finished in 1895. The result is a public
Theater where the influences that came from France 'Majestic French Theatre'
('Theatre d' Odeon', Paris) and Germany 'German classicism' are mixed but
in a more unadorned style. It maintains its original form with only a few
alterations and, despite being damage during the earthquakes of 1981, a recent
restoration has given it back to its original state.
The building is a perfectly symmetric
and rectangular edifice with dimensions of 34 x 45 meters with one main facade,
which is decorated by four Corinthian style columns and a pediment in its
entrance. Above the chamber there is a rectangular elevated frame that also
ends to a pedimental crowning.
The horseshoe shaped hall has an Italian
style, with a parterre, galleries and circles on four levels, its total capacity
is 1.300 seats and the stage's dimensions are bigger than others neoclassical
theaters (width 20.30 m., length 16.15 m., height 30 m.).
The theater's foyer, which is two stories
high and embraces the semi-circular hall, was used as a dance hall for charity
organizations and later it was developed to a hall for exhibitions and lectures.
Nowadays it has been hosting some of the most eminent Greek and foreign theater
companies, with their lyric and dramatic repertoires, and a great number of
dance groups, music and chorus ensembles, etc year after year.
The building also houses the History
Archives of the City of Piraeus (tel.: 4128481),
the P. Aravantinos Museum of Stage Designing (Mondays: 15.00-20.00 and Tue.
-Fri. 8.00-14.00, Fare: FREE, tel.: 4122339) and some shops in the ground
floor.
