Municipal Forum Luísa Todi

Category: Civil Architecture > Cinema-Theatre

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Centro Histórico

Location:

The Luísa Todi Municipal Forum is located in the heart of Setúbal's Historic Centre, a privileged position within the city's urban fabric. Situated on Avenida Luísa Todi, one of the locality's main thoroughfares, the building benefits from a flat and accessible setting. Its proximity to the riverside area, near the Sado River, offers an interesting perspective of the city and the estuary, integrating into a vibrant urban environment.

History and Cultural Identity

Inaugurated in July 1960 as Cine-Teatro Luísa Todi, this space originated from the initiative of the Companhia Animatográfica dos Restauradores. From its inception, the building established itself as an important hub for culture in Setúbal, hosting various shows and film screenings. In 1989, the Setúbal Municipal Council acquired the property, transforming it into the current Luísa Todi Municipal Forum, a name that pays tribute to the celebrated lyric singer from Setúbal, Luísa Todi. This transition marked its consolidation as a municipal cultural centre.

Architecture and Modernist Design

The Luísa Todi Municipal Forum stands out for its modernist civil architecture, designed by architect Fernando Silva, dating from the late 1950s. The facade features simple geometric lines, with a striking tower and vertical openings punctuated by pilasters. The upper structure in grey masonry and the recessed ground floor, clad with marble slabs, give it a distinctive aesthetic. Inside, the spacious foyers and marble floors create a welcoming atmosphere, with original doors covered in a plastic material featuring geometric patterns.

A Stage for the Arts

As a performance centre, the Luísa Todi Municipal Forum maintains its cultural and recreational vocation. Its main hall, designed as an amphitheatre-style cine-theatre, features stalls and balconies that provide good visibility. The fixed wooden and napa chairs, the walls lined with wood and cardboard, and a false ceiling with reinforced plaster coffers, demonstrate the quality of the materials used in its construction. The stage, equipped with an orchestra pit and a red velvet curtain, is a versatile space that hosts various artistic manifestations, from theatre to music and cinema, playing a central role in the city's cultural offerings.

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