Such was the extent of the rubber barons' grand ambitions that they decided to build a replica of the Opera Garnier in Paris in the middle of the Amazon! When it was inaugurated in 1896, the Teatro Amazonas became the town's symbol, and a highly visible one at that, with its pink façade and cupola composed of 36 000 varnished tiles representing the Brazilian flag. The Amazonian symphony orchestra performs a free concert here every week (Thursdays and occasionally Sundays). A major opera festival is also organised in April-May.