The current Coliseu is not the first entertainment venue on this site. It followed the Garden-hall Passos Manuel which was inaugurated on the 17th of March 1908. Despite earlier renovations in 1911 by 1937 there were demands for a bigger capacity than the 700 people it could host. In 1938 the hall was closed and demolished.
In 1939 the position of principal architect was taken by Cassiano Branco. Architect José Porto assisted him with the creation of plans for the construction of a grand modern event hall. It wasn’t an easy task however and several architects became involved in the project. José Porto abandoned the project. Dutch architect Jan Wils (who also created the old Amsterdam Olympic Stadium) made designs for the theatre as well as Júlio de Brito. But the latter his plans were rejected, nevertheless he did stay connected to the project because he was connected to Companhia de Seguros Garantia, the original proprietors of the Garden-hall Passos Manuel.
The architect Charles Ciclis who created several Parisian theatres was invited to also participate in the project. Only the candelabras and doors designed by him were included in the final design, but he was never paid for this.
The new building named Coliseu was inaugurated on the 19th of December 1941. It was a perfect example of an art deco / streamline modern theatre. It has a capacity of 4000 people.
More info to be added later…
Address
Coliseu do Porto Ageas
R. de Passos Manuel 137
4000-385 Porto
PORTUGAL
coliseu.pt
Historic postcard images courtesy of
The-Circus-Collection.Com
Gallery
