Concert halls Gran Asunción

The name of this lyric theater pays tribute to the eminent composer of Guarania, the musical genre that identifies Paraguay. Inaugurated in 2005, the theater is housed in the Banco Central del Paraguay complex. It can accommodate over 1,000 spectators. The 800 m² stage is used for large-scale performances, including ballets and other dance shows, plays and classical music concerts. The lighting and acoustics are top-notch.

Built between 1886 and 1889 to replace the former National Theatre, the building was restored from 1997 and opened to the public in 2006. During the restoration, archaeological remains were discovered which revealed the presence of the former legislative palace. Performances every weekend and almost every night. The programme is of high quality and very varied, with mainly plays, classical music concerts and dance performances.

The large rustic hall, with its wood panelling and decorations brought from Dublin, takes us back to Europe. It's probably not your goal, but there's always people and atmosphere in this Paseo Carmelitas institution, which opened its doors in 2007. It's hard to find a table on Friday and Saturday nights, when it's really full at all hours. Weekend rock concerts. Former Kilk regulars claim that the pub has lost its early rock spirit, with DJs "stooping" to play reggaetón or other Latin rhythms ...

Asunción's first underground bar. Housed in a half-ruined 1930s house, Rockero has established itself as a must-see boliche in the historic center, with a resolutely rock spirit. it's a "nocturnal potpourri", " because rock is more than a musical style, it's a lifestyle, a state of mind...", according to the owner. Cheap beer, frequent concerts and a relaxed, informal nightlife with a clientele of regulars. A movable roof slides down on rainy evenings to protect the stage and patio.

La Serafina is a cultural space set up by Aireana, a women's organization committed to defending lesbian rights and combating the discrimination so prevalent in this particularly macho country. An emblematic venue for the LGBTI+ community, with cultural and artistic evenings open to all. Concerts, theater, dance performances, conferences and public debates... The setting is warm and welcoming, in a beautiful house with a colorful facade.

The "House of the Harp", in Guarani, is a music conservatory recognized by the Paraguayan Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). It was founded by a family of musicians, the Pedersens. The harp is taught here, with private and group lessons for all levels, from the age of three. For those staying in Asunción for a while, this may be an opportunity to start studying Paraguay's national instrument. Violin lessons are also available. Concerts and cultural events are organized from time to time.

Since 2013, the "Manzana de la Rivera" cultural centre has also been named after Carlos Colombino, the plastic artist, architect and writer who created the cultural centre. In this beautiful architectural complex, made up of nine houses from different periods, the municipality's cultural department regularly presents dance, theatre and music performances and exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and photographs. There is also a municipal library.

La Alianza Francesa is located 5 minutes from Plaza Uruguaya. This non-profit association, which is financed mainly by French language courses (around 1,200 students each year in Asunción), is France's cultural showcase in Paraguay. It promotes cultural diversity through activities and festivals open to all types of public: cinema, concerts, exhibitions, etc. A media library and a 240-seat theater, the Salle Molière. For the program, visit facebook.com/AlianzaFrancesaAsu.

This independent publisher and bookshop is located just behind the Alliance française, in the historic center. It sells books for children and adults, including a good selection of French-language books that expatriates will love (if they can't find what they're looking for in the Alliance library). Fausto offers reading and creative writing workshops, book launches, cinema, theater, dance and various exhibitions. A pleasant patio for a drink at La Galette next door.

This cultural center, run by the Spanish Embassy, has become an essential part of the capital's cultural life. Every evening, it presents conferences and quality shows: dance, theater (in Spanish or Guarani), visual arts, independent cinema, music, workshops for children and adults, photography and painting exhibitions... A place for debate, creation and freedom, with a resolutely committed program. And it's all free!