Polytechnic Theatre

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Mamede

Location

The building that once housed the Politécnica Theatre is located in a central and culturally significant area of Lisbon. Situated on Rua da Escola Politécnica, it is in the vicinity of the iconic Botanical Garden, lending it a green and tranquil environment, which is uncommon in the capital's urban heart. This privileged location, in Bairro Alto, is characterized by an atmosphere of academic and artistic tradition, reflecting its rich history.

A Building with History

The history of this imposing building dates back centuries, having assumed various significant identities over time. It began as the Noviciado do Alto da Cotovia (Novitiate of Alto da Cotovia) and, subsequently, the Real Colégio dos Nobres (Royal College of Nobles). In 1837, it transformed into the renowned Escola Politécnica de Lisboa, a preparatory scientific teaching center that gave its name to the street on which it is located. In the 20th century, in 1911, it was adapted to house the Faculty of Sciences of Lisbon. Its walls witnessed moments of cultural effervescence and even resistance, serving as a meeting point for the faculty's student association, where intense debates and demonstrations against the political regime in place in the 1970s took place. Even before officially being a theater, this space already demonstrated a vocation for art, hosting exhibitions and conferences by prominent figures in Portuguese culture.

The Stage of Yesteryear

For thirteen years, this building was the home of the Artistas Unidos company, transforming into the well-known Teatro da Politécnica. Here, the space gained a life dedicated to the performing arts, with the staging of over a hundred shows that marked Lisbon's cultural landscape. The Artistas Unidos company distinguished itself by its focus on contemporary dramaturgy and the discovery of new talents, actively contributing to the renewal and dynamism of Portuguese theater. Despite initial structural challenges, the building's potential was recognized and exploited, adapting it to create a performance space with a unique atmosphere. For many, it was a space for meeting, reflection, and celebration of art.

A New Life for the Space

Recently, the building has closed its chapter as the Teatro da Politécnica. Following the departure of the Artistas Unidos company, the space is being integrated into the Museum of Natural History and Science, an institution that already occupies a large part of the former Escola Politécnica complex. This transition represents a new phase in the building's life, as it will house valuable museum collections, particularly specimens preserved in liquid media. Thus, the location, which saw science and education flourish over centuries and, more recently, theater prosper, continues its evolution, reinforcing its role as a center of knowledge and culture in the city of Lisbon.

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