José Lúcio da Silva Theater

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre

District: Leiria > Leiria > Leiria > Bairro dos Anjos

Location

The José Lúcio da Silva Theatre is located in the city of Leiria, in an urban area known as Bairro dos Anjos. Its central location within the city's fabric makes it an easily accessible cultural landmark, harmoniously integrated into Leiria's urban daily life.

Origin and Architectural Style

The history of the José Lúcio da Silva Theatre began to be written in 1963, on the initiative of José Lúcio da Silva, who envisioned a stage space for the city. Built on land that once belonged to the Marques da Cruz family, where a vineyard previously stood, construction began in 1964. In about a year and a half, the work was completed, and the theatre was inaugurated in January 1966.

Architecturally, the building stands as a notable testament to modernism in Portugal. Its architectural language reflects the aesthetic and cultural values of the time, giving it a distinctive identity and a significant presence in Leiria's urban landscape.

A Reference Cultural Space

The José Lúcio da Silva Theatre is a performance venue of considerable size, with a capacity for 763 people. Over the years, the space has been continuously improved through various renovations. A digital sound system has been implemented, and an advanced projection machine has been acquired, contributing to the venue being recognized today for its technical quality and visual comfort, something rare in other projection spaces.

This theatre stands as a fundamental pillar of Leiria's cultural life, hosting a vast and diverse program that includes performances, film screenings, and exhibitions, affirming its importance as a cultural attraction in the city.

Heritage Recognition

The value of the José Lúcio da Silva Theatre to the city of Leiria was formally recognized in August 2023, when the Municipal Council initiated the process to classify it as a Monument of Municipal Interest. This initiative highlights not only its architectural and aesthetic importance but also the central role the building plays in the social and cultural life of the Leiria community, consolidating its status as an integral part of the region's heritage.

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