The Teatro Olimpia celebrates its centenary as one of the main driving forces of cultural life in Huesca and as the main venue of the Huesca International Film Festival. Throughout 2025, the Board of Trustees of the Anselmo Pié Sopena Foundation has presented a special program to commemorate this anniversary, and the HIFF has wished to recognize the theatre’s work, dedication, and support.

In 1917, banker Antonio Pié commissioned the construction of a neoclassical building on land he owned, located between numbers 44 and 48 of Coso Alto in Huesca. As often happens, the project was halted, but years later, in 1925, the people of Huesca enjoyed its grand opening on June 9, with tenor Miguel Fleta performing on stage.

The theatre quickly became a vibrant hub for the city’s social life, hosting zarzuela performances, sports exhibitions, and political rallies. One such event, organized by the CNT in 1936, was led by the local activist Ramón Acín. During the Spanish Civil War, the building suffered damage from bombings.

After the war, Huesca regained its theatre, which became part of a national program called Regiones Devastadas (Devastated Regions), bringing international films such as Gilda and Mogambo to local audiences. In 1965, the people of Huesca began attending screenings by the Peña Zoiti film club. Over time, however, the theatre fell into decline—its facilities required repairs, and the programming had diminished. As a result, Teatro Olimpia was closed in 2003.

In 2005, the Anselmo Pié Foundation—named after Antonio Pié’s son, who had originally initiated the theatre’s construction—decided to relaunch the project, restoring the building. Thanks to this effort, the grandeur of the theatre was revived. In February 2008, after five years of work, Teatro Olimpia was reinaugurated, boasting modern facilities that still preserve the charm of its early years. The celebrated mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza opened this new chapter in the theatre’s history.

Today, the theatre continues to offer a wide-ranging cultural program, including dance, theatre, ballet, and cinema.