Mayer Park

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Arts Centre

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Parque Mayer

Location:

Parque Mayer holds a central position in Lisbon, situated next to the emblematic Avenida da Liberdade. This urban space was once part of the extensive gardens and adjacent areas of the historic Palácio Mayer, a building recognized with the Valmor Prize in 1902 for its architecture. The park thus benefits from its privileged location in a vibrant area of the city.

A Stage for Entertainment and Bohemianism

Inaugurated in 1922, Parque Mayer was born from the vision of creating a space dedicated to entertainment and popular amusement. Far from being just a theatre complex, it was conceived as a true open-air leisure ground, where, in its heyday, carousels, shooting galleries, and other fair attractions could be found. It was a place of great social interaction, frequented by a diverse public, from the people of Lisbon to intellectuals and political figures, all in search of an atmosphere of bohemianism and spectacle. Here, moments of revelry were celebrated, and collective memories of the city were created.

The Heart of Portuguese Revue Theatre

Parque Mayer became indelibly linked to the history of theatre in Portugal, recognized as the "capital of revue" and "Lisbon's Broadway". In this venue, various stages hosted shows that marked generations and launched prominent figures of national art. Noteworthy theatres include the Maria Vitória, which opened its doors in 1922 and still today maintains the tradition of revue theatre, the Teatro Variedades, and the Capitólio, the latter remarkable for its modernist architecture, conceived as a multifunctional space. The park was not only a stage for revue but also for fado, operettas, comedies, circus, and even the first parades that gave rise to the famous Lisbon Popular Marches, becoming an authentic mirror of Lisbon's culture.

Legacy and Future Perspectives

Over the decades, Parque Mayer has witnessed the evolution of society and cultural habits. Although some of its old entertainment venues have disappeared and signs of time are visible, its historical and cultural importance remains undeniable. Even today, some of its theatres continue to present a varied program, keeping the flame of spectacle alive. There is a constant vision of revitalization for this area, seeking to preserve its memory and adapt it to contemporary needs, so that it continues to be a cultural reference point in Lisbon.

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