Old Cinema

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Cinema

District: Aveiro > Vale de Cambra > Gandra

Location

The building known as the Old Cinema is located in Gandra, one of the central areas of Vale de Cambra. Its position in the urban core makes it an easily accessible landmark, integrated into the daily dynamics of the locality. The surroundings are typically urban, characteristic of a developing town, inviting visitors to become part of the local environment.

Memory and Cultural Legacy

Originally inaugurated in 1970, the Old Cinema of Vale de Cambra, a project by architect António Bandeira, was once a central space in the region's cultural life. With an initial capacity for almost a thousand spectators, it marked several generations. After a period of decline and transition to other purposes, the building underwent a profound requalification. This renovation project, under the guidance of architect Gonçalo Louro, aimed to reactivate its cultural function while preserving the memory and symbolic value of the original space. It is now a testament to a community's ability to reconnect with its cultural past and project it into the future.

Architectural and Artistic Elements

In its renovation, the Old Cinema retained details that pay homage to its history. It is possible to observe some of the original elements that were part of the old cinema, such as one of the film projection machines, carefully preserved. The space was transformed into a multifunctional arts center, with an auditorium capacity of approximately five hundred seats, an area for temporary exhibitions, and a space dedicated to artistic training. Also noteworthy is the presence of a sculptural installation titled "rodas" (wheels), created by artist Paulo Neves from a local tree. This piece evokes the continuous movement of industry and agriculture, pillars of Vale de Cambra's identity, adding an artistic and symbolic dimension to the site.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt