Teatro Colón, Lima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colón Theatre |
|
|---|---|
|
Teatro Colón
|
|
The building in 2013
|
|
| General information | |
| Status | Closed |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| Location | San Martín Plaza |
| Construction started | 1911 |
| Construction stopped | 1914 |
| Inaugurated | January 18, 1914 |
| Closed | 2004 |
| Management | Ministry of Culture |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Claude Sahut |
The Colón Theatre (Spanish: Teatro Colón) is a historic building in Lima, Peru. It used to be a theatre and is located right next to San Martín Plaza. This area is part of the historic center of the city. The theatre's construction started in 1911 and it officially opened on January 18, 1914.
Contents
History of the Colón Theatre
Before the theatre was built, the land belonged to different people. In 1911, a company called Teatros y Cinemas Ltda. bought the land. They hired a French architect named Claude Sahut to design and build the theatre. Claude Sahut was famous for designing many buildings in Lima during the 1910s and 1920s.
From Plays to Movies
The Colón Theatre opened in 1914 with its first play, "Los Fantoches." For several years, it hosted many plays and performances by theatre groups from Peru and other countries. However, things started to change in 1921. The theatre began showing movies. Slowly, movies became more popular than plays. By 1927, the Colón Theatre was only showing films.
In 1936, the theatre was updated to better suit its new role as a movie house. Some of the old theatre boxes were removed. An extra floor was added to the building. These changes made the building look more modern and fit in with the nearby structures.
Changes in Ownership
In 1972, the government of General Juan Velasco Alvarado took over the theatre. It was later declared a National Monument. This means it became a protected part of Peru's important cultural heritage.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the theatre faced tough times. Due to economic problems and less interest in cultural places, it became a movie theatre that showed films only for adults. Many other similar places in Lima also changed during this period.
In 2000, city officials decided to close the theatre. They said it was affecting the city's appearance and good behavior. The owners didn't agree, so the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima boarded up the doors.
In 2004, the Colón Theatre was sold at an auction. The Ministry of Culture bought it. In 2005, a group called "Proyecto Cultural Colón Theater" was formed. Their goal is to fix up the theatre, which is now quite old and damaged. They hope to turn it back into a cultural space for everyone to enjoy.
Architecture and Design
When the Colón Theatre first opened, a newspaper called El Comercio wrote about it. They said the theatre was "small, but elegant." They praised its simple and artistic decoration. The newspaper also mentioned its "graceful form and cheerful appearance." The architect, Claude Sahut, was praised for creating such a beautiful building in a small space. The theatre was seen as a lovely addition to the capital city.
Today, the Colón Theatre stands in front of San Martín Plaza. It is located on Jirón de la Unión, between the Giacoletti Building and the Club Nacional.
In its best days, the Colón Theatre could hold 940 people. Here's how the seats were divided:
- Parterre: 305 seats (these were the seats on the main floor, closest to the stage)
- Gallery: 400 seats (these were higher up, often in the back)
- Boxes: 217 seats (private seating areas, usually on the sides)
- Balcony: 18 seats (a raised section, often at the back of the theatre)
See also
In Spanish: Teatro Colón (Lima) para niños
- Plaza San Martín, Lima
