The Dominican government has officially initiated the bidding process to transform the historic Teatro Agua y Luz into a modern tourist and cultural center. Located in the Centro de los Héroes in Santo Domingo, the theatre is a monumental open - air amphtheatre inaugurated in 1955.
Designed by architect Carles Buïgas (creator of the Magic - Fountain of Barcelona), it was the site was characterized by cutting - edge technology that syncronized 355 water jets, 4000 multicolored lights, and music. It has a seating capacity of 55.000 spectators and its multisensory design allowed the water to dance to the rhythm of waltzes and melodies.
The announcement was made during the lunch held by President Luis Abinader, with representatives of the Dominican artistic class in the Green Room of the National Palace. The activity was attended by the Minister of Culture, Roberto Ángel Salcedo; the Minister of Justice, Antoliano Peralta, and the Director of the National Copyright Office (ONDA), José Rubén Gonell Cosme.
The President of the Caribbean country recalled that before assuming the Presidency he visited a theatre in the city of Nashville, U.S., where country music artists performed every weekend, an experience that awakened in him the desire to create a similar space in the Dominican Republic, stressing that he always dreamed that his country would have a place like this, where Dominican artists can perform permanently and where culture is also part of the tourist attraction.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, said that the president instructed him to carry out that tender, explaining that a bidding process has already authorized to intervene the structure and turn it into a modern cultural scenario which will include a roof that allows activities to be carried out, even if the weather is not favourable.
The Minister indicated that the bidding process has already published or would be officially placed soon, estimating that in approximately three months the administrative process prior to the start of construction could be completed.
The Minister of Tourism explained that President Abinader’s vision is to transform the historic Teatro Agua y Luz into a cultural and tourist reference for the city of Santo Domingo, stating that the president’s dream is that this space becomes something similar to the Hard Rock Café in Medelliin, Colombia, an active place for artistic presentations and cultural events.
The official added that the project will be developed together with entities linked to the tourism and cultural sector, with the purpose of revitalizing the entertainment offer of the capital and creating a permanent stage for Dominican artists.
Project Overview and Timeline:
• Lead Entities: Announced by President Luis Abinader, with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) managing the development.
• Project Scope: The site will undergo a complete remodelling. This includes an adaptive reuse design, drafted in collaboration with Marcelo Alburquerque Arquitectos, to add an – all – weather roof, allowing for year - round performances and events, a civic – scale canopy, public piazzas, climate responsive infrastructure.
• Timeline: Administrative bidding procedures are underway, with the construction phase expected to begin approximately three months after the tender finalization.
During the meeting, singer Rafa Rosario said that space is ideal for artists to make presentation, but unfortunately it has been abandoned for years. The contract was awarded in the government from 2016 to 2020 to the company Consultoria Astur, S.A.
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