CAARP
Cinema and Audience Research Project

Operation Dates Further Info
First screened film was "Violetas Imperiais" by Henry Roussel, starring Raquel Meller.
Closed as a cinema in 1988 and is now used for live theatre.
First sound screening in 05-11-1930: A Parada do Amor (The Love Parade) (US).

Other Information

Inaugurated on November 30th, 1924 as one of Lisbon finest entertainment places, Cine-Teatro Tivoli has its history connected with the history of the very same city that saw it born and that brings the theater back to life once again.

In broad middle of Avenida da Liberdade, a modern boulevard that originated the urban growth of a liberal and bourgeois Lisbon since the second half of the 19th century, this building was built by Frederico Mayer, one of the main owners and promotors of the architectonic development in this part of Lisbon. The project by architect Raul Lino was inspired by classical models as well as french ecletism, combined with technical innovations and modern functional solutions. The building is set longitudinally with a plain façade covered with «roman» brick, a classical front over the Avenida, a big dome and a round tower in the entrance to the contiguous street. The interior decorations, made out of painting, carving and plaster, reinforce an artistic ambiency where tradition walks side by side with modernity.

The construction works started on 1919 and lasted up to 1924, when the theater opened to the public for the first time, presenting «Violetas Imperiais». Theatrical shows, music hall and especially movie shows animated Tivoli matinées and soirées for decades. Lisbon high society felt that this was its own place and always dressed up for the most prestigious shows. 1920's dumb cinema was always sided by a piano player or even by a small orchestra. Later, several motion pictures always brought great sucess to the movie seasons. «The Sound of Music» had its sessions sold out for over a year. Many famous movie stars from around the world have stepped Tivoli's stage.

Modern life circumstances, different cultural consumer habits and the development of new entertainment centers in other parts of Lisbon have forced Cine-Teatro Tivoli to close its doors. Yet, destiny and the strenght of memory were stronger than decay. Classified as a historical and artistic heritage, the building was tenderly restored by its new owners along with Lisbon City Hall.With the reopening a new era begins in the history of this beautiful building and also in the history of the city. A happy history since Cine-Teatro Tivoli will keep on being a home to art and culture. Cine-Teatro Tivoli lives once again as a place of bewilderment that enchants us all.

João Soares

Lisbon Mayor