In the centre of Merano stands the magnificent Municipal Theatre. Ornately designed and richly decorated, it sits enthroned on Theatre Square, nestled between the Corso della Libertà road and the Theatre Bridge. Its story began in 1884 with the formation of a theatre building committee. The aim was to enrich the spa town culturally and provide it with a prestigious theatre. Once the location and financing were secured, the Munich architect Martin Dülfer won the commission. The theatre was officially opened on the 1st of December 1900 in the presence of prominent guests.

For 15 years, the Municipal Theatre of Merano hosted performances and events until its closure during the First World War. Between the two World Wars, it reopened its doors but was renamed Teatro Puccini in 1937 as part of the Italianisation policy. After a period of use as a cinema and surviving a fire, the theatre was listed as a historical monument upon its reopening and has since enriched Merano's townscape. Today, the theatre is managed by the Merano Municipal Theatre and Kurhaus Association. Within its red and gold auditorium, adorned with salmon-pink velvet seats, concerts, theatrical performances, readings, and conferences take place.

The theatre has 296 seats, a costume hire service with a historical collection, and a terrace that is open on warm summer evenings. As of 2024, the Municipal Theatre of Merano (Stadttheater Meran) is undergoing renovations to restore its delicate Art Nouveau colours and, among other things, to be refurnished with new seating. The work is expected to be completed in autumn 2025.