Demolition of the amphitheater in Lima boosts comprehensive cultural restoration plan.

The Metropolitan Municipality of Lima (MML) has announced the demolition of the amphitheater at the Parque de la Exposición as part of an ambitious restoration plan aimed at revitalizing this iconic area of the capital. In place of the current structure, the construction of a new covered theater is planned, which will be located in a different area of the park, allowing for more efficient and consistent use of the space for cultural events. Luis Martín Bogdanovich, manager of Prolima, emphasized that one of the main issues with the current amphitheater is the noise it generates during events, which interferes with the use of the adjacent theater known as 'La Cabaña.' The restoration of the latter is also included in the plan, which aims to enhance the experience of attendees at shows and promote a more harmonious environment among cultural infrastructures. The design of the new covered theater is intended to offer performances year-round, unlike the current amphitheater, which can only be used in the drier seasons. The technical file for this new space is expected to be completed by 2025, with construction projected to begin the following year. The project could be ready for inauguration in 2028, marking a new phase in Lima's cultural offerings. The space left by the amphitheater will be transformed into an extension of the existing lagoon in the Parque de la Exposición, thereby contributing to the improvement of the area’s natural environment. In addition to these works, the comprehensive plan includes the restoration of all the pavilions and the restitution of sculptures that were lost during the war with Chile, as well as reforestation and improvements to the lighting in the gardens. The total investment for this restoration project is estimated at 100 million soles, and it will be financed through the resources that the MML will obtain annually from the General Sales Tax (IGV), as a result of the recent enactment of law No. 31980. This legislation aims to protect Lima's cultural heritage and promote its sustainable development. The funding secured through this law also represents a significant change in the management of Lima's Historic Center, providing annual resources that will allow Prolima to continue its long-term projects without relying on the political stability of each municipal administration. It is estimated that the MML will receive around 120 million soles annually from this source, ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage recovery efforts. Since the declaration of Lima's Historic Center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the Peruvian state has been responsible for securing funds for its conservation. The recent law No. 31980 represents an important step in this regard, providing Prolima with a legal framework that will allow it to act as a centralized management entity, facilitating the necessary procedures for interventions. The law also introduces tax incentives that will favor private investment in restoration projects, which could attract more investors interested in contributing to the revitalization of the historic center. With a dedicated fund for these purposes, private investment is expected to increase, benefiting both infrastructure and the local economy. In addition to these initiatives, Prolima has projects on its agenda such as the pedestrianization of emblematic streets and the restoration of Quinta Heeren, a 36,000 m² property in Barrios Altos that will be transformed into a cultural, tourist, and commercial space. This is part of the vision to turn the Historic Center into a sustainably attractive tourist destination. The future covered theater, planned with a capacity for 3,000 attendees, will be a significant addition to the city’s cultural infrastructure, seeking to complement and enrich the existing offerings. As this restoration plan progresses, the residents of Lima are preparing for a future where cultural heritage and modernity coexist in a harmonious and sustainable manner.