In the heart of Cali, at the beginning of Sixth Avenue, there was a point full of history. More than a century ago, this place witnessed the emergence of the first canteen of the city and then the arrival of the Bolívar Theater
News Cali.
In the stories of the Cali of yesterday, we must talk about Sixth Avenue and its great cultural and entertainment spaces that were created in the 30s.
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The strategic location of the canteen assured that almost everyone who entered or left Cali passed close, making the canteen a social and commercial icon.
A space for adults for adults. At that time, the entertainment sites were located on the outskirts, and this canteen became a forced meeting point for those who traveled through the area, especially travelers who crossed the emblematic Ortiz bridge.
However, the passage of time brought great transformations. By 1939, the area was completely demolished to give way to a new infrastructure: the first Bolívar theater.
This theater, driven by the wealthy businessman Luis Toro, marked a milestone in Cali’s cultural life, representing the modernization and change in urban entertainment dynamics.


Cultural Epicenter: Bolívar Theater
The Bolívar Theater became the epicenter of the arts in the city, gathering premises and visitors to enjoy theatrical works and shows that reflected the vibrant Caleña cultural life.
However, with the growth of the city and the redesign of public space, in 1968 the theater headquarters were transferred to a more accessible location, between 14 and 15 north street.
This second headquarters worked for several decades, until around 2000 it closed its doors, ending an era that had deeply marked Cali’s cultural identity.
Today, when touring the streets and reflecting on these changes, we can appreciate how Cali has managed to reinvent himself, adapting to the times without forgetting his roots.
Each transformation in this emblematic sector of the city center is a reflection of dynamism and the constant evolution of a city that breathes history and looks towards the future.