The Teatro Real was constructed on what was the site of the Caños del Peral Theatre. This theatre was torn down in 1818 to to make room for the royal opera house. Construction finished in 1850 and was first opened on November 19 of that same year. The original building's construction followed the plans designed by Antonio López Aguado. In 1925 Antonio Floréz's architectural style was drastically changed with the addition of a different facade. Between 1940-1966 the building was turned into a concert hall and only since 1997 was it again used as an opera theatre.

However the long wait and the lengthy construction and reconstruction works have paid off. Its 1750 seats makes it one of Europe's largest opera houses as well as one of the finest. Since its latest opening the opera house has been classified as a historical monument.

Come to the Teatro Real and enjoy one of the many performances put on here while learning Spanish at a Spanish Language Course in Madrid.