Cinema Condes

Cinema Condes was a landmark cinema located on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon, Portugal. Its origins trace back to the Teatro da Rua dos Condes, a theatre owned by merchant Francisco de Almeida Grandella and designed by architect António José Dias da Silva. In 1915, the Portuguese distribution firm Castello Lopes acquired the theatre and converted it exclusively into a cinema. The venue underwent a major transformation in 1951 when the original building was demolished and replaced by a new structure designed by architect Raul Tojal. This new Art Deco building, which still stands on the eastern side of Avenida da Liberdade, reopened on 30 October 1952 with a capacity of 907 spectators. Its modern façade featured a bas-relief by Aristides Vaz, decorations by José Espinho, and paintings by Fernando Santos. Over the following decades, Cinema Condes became a preferred venue for major film premieres and productions, including works by Howard Hawks, Ayres de Aguiar, António de Macedo, and João César Monteiro. It also hosted concerts, festivals, and events such as Rock Rendez-Vous. In 1967, the projection screen was enlarged to accommodate 70mm films, primarily from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but a fire shortly after the renovation forced a 38-day closure. Unable to compete with new multiplexes in shopping centres, Cinema Condes closed in 1997. Only its Art Deco façade was preserved, and in 2003 the space was converted into the Hard Rock Café Lisbon.

The history of Cinema Condes begins with the Teatro da Rua dos Condes, a theatre located on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. The theatre was owned by Francisco de Almeida Grandella, a merchant and owner of Armazéns Grandella, and was designed by architect António José Dias da Silva. It operated as a theatre until 1915, when it was purchased by the Portuguese firm Castello Lopes. The company converted the space exclusively for cinema use, and despite a remodelling of the entire space for film projection in 1919, the building was demolished in 1951. A new building was erected on the same site, designed by architect Raul Tojal, whose structure still stands on the eastern side of Avenida da Liberdade. The new Cinema Condes reopened on 30 October 1952 with a maximum capacity of 907 spectators. Its modern façade featured a bas-relief by Aristides Vaz, decorations by José Espinho, and paintings by Fernando Santos. The reopening programme included the premiere of the film 'Sa dernière foulée' (The Last Frontier) starring Glenn Ford and Terry Moore. In the following years, the cinema became a preferred venue for major film productions, screening works such as Howard Hawks's 'Infernal Paradise' (Only Angels Have Wings), Ayres de Aguiar's 'Narciso Aviador', António de Macedo's 'A Promessa', and João César Monteiro's 'A Comédia de Deus'. It also hosted concerts, festivals, and other events, including Rock Rendez-Vous. After 1967, due to the production of 70mm films, primarily by producer and distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, new works were carried out in the auditorium and the projection screen was enlarged. However, a week after the completion of the works, a fire ravaged the hall without causing victims, and the space was closed again for repairs for thirty-eight days. Unable to face competition from new cinemas installed in shopping centres, Cinema Condes closed its doors in 1997. Only its Art Deco façade was preserved. In 2003, the space was converted into the current Hard Rock Café Lisbon.

• 2003

  Space converted into Hard Rock Café Lisbon; only Art Deco façade preserved.

• 1997

  Cinema closed due to competition from shopping centre multiplexes.

• 1967

  Screen enlarged for 70mm films; a fire a week after works forced a 38-day closure.

• 1952

  Reopened on 30 October with capacity of 907 spectators and premiere of 'Sa dernière foulée'.

• 1951

  Original building demolished; new building designed by Raul Tojal erected.

• 1919

  Remodelling of the entire space for film projection.

• 1915

  Teatro da Rua dos Condes acquired by Castello Lopes and converted exclusively into a cinema.

Historic single-screen cinema and cultural venue on Lisbon's main avenue, known for premieres and events.

• Film screenings

  Regular screenings of major film productions, including premieres.

• 70mm film projection

  After 1967, the cinema was equipped to screen 70mm films, primarily from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

• Concerts and festivals

  Hosted events such as Rock Rendez-Vous.

1. 1Cinema Condes - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2Cinéma Condes - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org