While large and built in the European Baroque style, it is far simpler than the Parisian influenced Teatro Nacional one block east.

The land was bought by Jose Raventós, who dreamed of building a theatre in which to produce zarzuelas, usually comic) Spanish operettas.

"The Gaceta", the official newspaper of the government, announced law 7023 that gave the Melico Salazar the position of "cultural institution especializada" of the Costa Rican State.

In 2014 it was announced that a new combined gallery and waiting area at the theatre would be named in honour of Dinora Bolandi who was a Costa Rican teacher and artist.

[1] The whole facility was once named the Raventós Theater, it was renamed in 1986 to honor the famous Costa Rican tenor Manuel "Melico" Salazar.