The Teatro Nacional — formally the Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias — is the cultural centrepiece of Guatemala City and one of the most architecturally remarkable buildings in Central America. Designed by Efraín Recinos, the complex sprawls across a hilltop in Zona 1, its concrete forms inspired by Maya stepped pyramids and painted in bold blue and white. The main theatre, the open-air theatre, and the smaller chamber theatre together host opera, ballet, theatre, and orchestral concerts.
The building's exterior is worth seeing even if you don't attend a performance. The views from the surrounding terraces take in the Zona 1 cityscape and the volcanoes to the south. Check the programme — visiting the interior through a ticketed performance is the best way to see it. Guided tours of the facility are also available.