Inaugurated in 1956, this regal looking neoclassical building stretches over an area of 13,000 square meters, and hosts numerous artistic events, from concerts to plays, and ballet performances, with halls seating up to 600 patrons. The Palacio de Bellas Artes was built during the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo with the aim of further developing and promoting arts and culture in the Dominican Republic. It was restored in 2008, and has remained active ever since, growing into a symbol of Dominican culture. It also serves as a fine arts teaching facility and office hub for the national schools of Dance, Dramatic Arts, Visual Art, the Elementary School of Music, the National Classic Ballet, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Folkloric Ballet.