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The project for this Theatre was commissioned to the French architect Jaime Marquet, who had been based in Spain since 1752. Construction began in 1770 and was practically completed by May 1771. It is laid out in a rectangular shape within which a U-shape is inscribed, forming the stalls. Above these are two levels of boxes and one for amphitheatres. The entire building was covered, which was extremely innovative for its time.
Upon completion of the works, its management was transferred to the local community of neighbours, while the Crown retained ownership. This system led to multiple disputes which ended when the State sold it, segregating it from the estate in 1869.
Subsequently, its ownership passed into private hands; it was even used as a cinema starting from 1918. In 1967 it closed its doors and a process of deterioration and abandonment began.
After numerous vicissitudes, the final restoration was achieved, carried out by architects José Luis Martín and Mariano Bayón between 1974 and 1979, at the request of the Sociedad de Fomento y Construcción del Real Coliseo Carlos III. In 1979, it was inaugurated with a recital by Teresa Berganza, attended by Her Majesty Queen Doña Sofía. Since then, great figures of theatre and music have graced the stage of the Real Coliseo.
Its rehabilitation was awarded the National Restoration Prize in 1980. In 1981 it became part of the Network of National Theatres and Festivals of Spain of the Ministry of Culture and since 1985 the Community of Madrid has been responsible for its programming. In 1995 it received the declaration as an Asset of Cultural Interest, in the category of Monument.
Historic theatre designed by the French architect Jaime Marquet and inaugurated under Charles III, with a programme of opera, theatre and dance that makes it one of the most unique stages in the Community of Madrid.