The Manoel theatre was built in 1731, during the reign of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. Establishing a theatre, the Grand Master cared about aesthetic education and decent the rest of the knights after just works for the good of the Order. In 1866 gdu the building was sold to a private person, and it opened as the Royal.Opera theatre.

The theater building was badly damaged during the Second world war and was completely rebuilt in 1960. The unique acoustic properties of the hall has received worldwide recognition. In the Museum at the theatre houses a collection of theatrical costumes, portraits, drawings, and fragments of scenery.