Designed by the architects Raúl César Caldeira and Albertino Crujeiro Galvão Roxo, Cine-Teatro Avenida is a characteristic example of the evolution of architecture that took place in the 20th century with the employ of new construction materials. It was built between April 1950 and September 1954.
The opening took place on October 2nd at 10 p.m. with two theatre plays, skilfully played by the national theatre ensemble Companhia do Teatro Nacional de D. Maria II. Prestigious actors like Amélia Rey Colaço, Robles Monteiro and Raul de Carvalho were part of this national theatre ensemble. After the show there was a lively ball, brightened by Copacabana Orchestra.
Forty six years later after a devastating fire (on August 22nd 1986) and a renovation process, Cine-Teatro Avenida was reborn. Different and modern, but preserving some elements of Cine-Teatro Avenida. Nowadays Cine-Teatro Avenida has a rich cultural programme all year long, organising interesting music festivals, concerts, theatre plays and author movie sessions. It is the cultural heart of the city!