The Roberto Cantoral Cultural Center, commonly called El Cantoral, is an avant-garde and technological space in CDMX dedicated to preserving and promoting Mexican music and art. A cultural treasure designed by renowned architect Gerardo Broissin and inaugurated in 2012 as a posthumous tribute to the illustrious singer-songwriter Roberto Cantoral.
Why is El Cantoral so environmentally friendly?
Here technology and sustainability coexist in harmony. This building was designed with the aim of saving energy and making better use of water, something it has achieved year after year, saving 90,000 kWh and avoiding not only the consumption of 88,000 liters of water, but also the emission of more than 60 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
What can you do at El Cantoral?
In addition to the varied program of plays and dance performances, at El Cantoral you can enjoy many other events such as monologues, workshops… and concerts. Also concerts by candlelight. Every month, this immense theater turns off the lights so that the sea of lights of Candlelight shines in its maximum splendor. An intimate atmosphere that envelops every note and elevates your favorite music. From the unforgettable melodies of Queen and Coldplay, to the emotional songs of José José.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can be accommodated at El Cantoral?
The venue seats a total of 850 people. The main hall can accommodate, depending on the event, from 220 to 848 attendees, and the impressive stage is capable of accommodating 80 musicians.
Who was Roberto Cantoral?
He was an important Mexican singer, composer and activist. From 1982 until his death in 2010, he directed the Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico (SACM), leaving a significant legacy in the country’s music industry. Did you know that he gave the rights to the moving song Pobre Navidad to institutions dedicated to child care and that Plegaria de paz was broadcast three consecutive years at the Vatican?
How many songs did Roberto Cantoral compose?
The exact number of compositions is unknown. However, it is known that Roberto Cantoral created a large number of hits, especially in the bolero and ballad genres. Emblematic songs such as El Reloj, La Barca and El Triste, among many others, revolutionized the music world and left an indelible mark.
How to get to El Cantoral?
Fused with its natural surroundings, El Cantoral in CDMX is located in the Xoco neighborhood. The most practical way to get there is by subway, getting off at the Coyoacán station (Line 3) and walking for about 15 minutes. You can also opt for the bus, as several routes, such as 1, 108, 200, 22A and 236, have stops nearby, such as Río Churubusco or José María Rico. If you prefer to go by car, the venue has paid parking, although another convenient option is to leave it at the Mítikah Plaza, just a three-minute walk away.
Nearby places of interest
A few steps from El Cantoral, the Cineteca Nacional, the imposing Mítikah Tower and the serene Masayoshi Ohira Park invite you to discover different facets of the city. CDMX is a city full of contrasts, where architectural beauty coexists with a vibrant culture. The same happens in the Candlelight scenarios, transformed into oceans of candles that you can’t miss.