[Some material for this post originally published as “keeping it reel 1” on 10 Oct 2007. Older photos from the Lisbon City Archive.]
Since movies with sound grew in popularity during the 1930s & 1940s, it was only appropriate that cinema architecture became a spectacle in itself. Grand productions were meant to be seen in grand theaters. Some of the most stunning Art Deco & Rationalist/Modernist buildings I’ve seen around the world are remnants of that era, but unfortunately they are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Far off any tourist track in Lisboa, Campo do Ourique has wonderful neighborhood vibe… definitely one of the top three areas I’d choose to live in town. In June 2007, I went in search of the Cinema Europa because I’d read that it was in danger of demolition. Archival photos make me wish for a time machine:
What I found was quite different. It’s still standing, so that’s good. According to this article from January 2006, there were plans for restoration but obviously no one did much of anything. Redesigned in 1958 by architect Antero Ferreira, the 1930s building operated as a theater until 1981. Since then it was used as a tv studio… which probably means the interior is gone for good. Plans to demolish the cinema in 2004 were stopped by the city government.
At least the funky ‘50s mural hasn’t been destroyed. “Europa” is written in Greek letters, & the relief shows part of her story… Zeus transformed into a bull to seduce this beautiful woman. Gentle & tame, Europa couldn’t resist hopping on Zeus’s back for a ride. Big mistake. He whisked Europa off to Crete to have his way with her:
Barricades are in place as of July 2010, photographed by the neighborhood organization SOS Cinema Europa. Luxury condominiums may take the place of this Lisbon landmark soon. My idea is to spread the word so perhaps non-Portuguese speakers can help save the building. The more info online, the better. Força vizinhos!