The Solis Theatre is one of the oldest and most important in South America. Its name originates from the sailor who discovered the Río de la Plata, Juan Díaz de Solís, a Spaniard. However, throughout history, it has had numerous different names and appellations such as "del Progreso, del Sol…". It was inaugurated in 1856, but was not completed until the next twenty years, when the laterals were finished. Since then, the hall has hosted performances and recitations of all kinds, from opera to opera, from theatre to concerts…numerous activities in a unique place of singular beauty and impressive size.
The original project by Carlo Zucchi was adapted to the economic and financial needs of a country at war by the architect Francisco Javier De Garmendia, who was responsible for the final design. There are several analogies with Italian theatres: its main façade, in fact, is very similar to that of the "Carlo Felice" Theatre in Genoa, while the hall where the shows are held is very similar to that of the "La Scala" Theatre in Milan, as far as its particular elliptical shape is concerned.
The internal decorations are completely similar to a theatre that is a little less known than the last two: the Metastasio of Prato. As for the internal structure, that of the Teatro Solis does not differ from the typical opera house.
