Coliseu do Porto
The Coliseu do Porto is a theatre in Porto, Portugal. It is arguably one of the most relevant landmarks of Porto and a prestigious venue for music and cultural events. Together with Batalha Cinema, the Coliseu is a very good example of Portuguese Streamline Moderne and Art Deco in the city of Porto. It was built after the historical Salão Jardim Passos Manuel, in the early years of the 20th century. The earliest sketches of the building are from the year 1911. However the building was only officially declared finished in 1941.
The, at the time, modern-looking building counted with the collaboration of a Dutch and several Portuguese architects. In 1939, however, Cassiano Branco takes the responsibility for the coordination of the whole project.
In the 1990s two important events marked the history of the venue. In 1995 the building was nearly sold to a Brazilian Church (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God). However, a mass demonstration of the people of Porto, promoted by several prominent members of the Portuguese and, especially, the city's cultural milieu and supported by Mayor Fernando Gomes and by the government sparked an intervention that prevented the deal to take place. The venue was handed over to a group of citizens that, still today, manages the Coliseu as a cultural venue. In 1996 a fire destroyed part of the venue, including the stage, the back-stage and part of the auditorium. Rebuilt over a very short period, it showed some limitations and the venue suffered new interventions in 1997 and 1998. It was officially reopened in November 1998, about two years after the fire, and has since then regained its role as one of Porto's most dynamic cultural spots.
Technical details
The main auditorium of Coliseu do Porto has a capacity for 3,500 people standing and 2.955 seated when we count the 1st and 2nd stalls, the dress circle, the boxes, upper circle and the reserved and general gallery.[1] There is also a smaller room, called Ático Room, which has capacity for 300 people and, as such, is more suitable for smaller performances, conferences and symposia.
References
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External links
- Official website
- Coliseu do Porto – Tech Area, website with technical data (some functions require registration)
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