03/09/2008

#247 - Av. da República VII






Monumental Cinema Teatro


Status: Closed/Demolished
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Art Deco
Architect: Raul Rodrigues Lima


"Opened on 14th November 1951, the architect of this 'monumental' cinema which certainly lived up to its name was Raul Rodrigues Lima.

The building took up a whole city block and seating in the large auditorium was on orchestra level with two balconies above. The cinema was equipped to screen 70mm movies and films such as "Ben Hur", "My Fair Lady", "West Side Story" and "2001: A Space Odessy" all had long runs here.

I don't know when the Monumental closed, but I do know that there was great pressure put on the 'powers that be' to save the building from destruction. All this came to nothing and sadly it was demolished in 1984.

Any further information on this magnificent cinema would be appreciated.

I believe that the current 4 screen Monumental Cinema, located at Edifico Monumental, Praca Duque de Saldanha is built on the site of the Monumental Cinema Teatro. This new cinema screens independent and European art house movies. " [*]


4 comments:

George Townboy said...

Beautiful photos!

The powers that be should definitely have kept the original building, it is quite impressive!

Oman said...

lovely captures. looking at your work really transports me in a different place. great job maria.

Kris McCracken said...

Great job, as has been said, you’ve told a story well here!

Ken Mac said...

fashion victim, is that a movie?