Teatro San Materno

A rationalist-style architectural gem, the Teatro San Materno in Ascona is an artistic laboratory dedicated to dance and dialogue between the arts. As well as presenting international performances of dance, music, and contemporary theatre, it also hosts artistic residencies.

Built in 1927/28 for the dancer Charlotte Bara, the Teatro soon became a renowned centre in Italian-speaking Switzerland, known not only for its sacred, Gothic-Egyptian dances but also for numerous performances, concerts, and conferences. With his versatile creativity, the architect Carl Weidemeyer, a multifaceted artist, created an exceptional bridge between Central European and Mediterranean culture.

This north-south axis, both geographical and cultural, along with its multidisciplinary nature, also forms the backdrop for the theatre’s current programming and uses. While the building has undergone careful restoration, it has been intelligently adapted, thanks also to architect Guido Tallone and the consultancy of Peter Bissegger, to accommodate innovative functions.