Coliseu do Porto
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The Coliseu do Porto is a theatre in Porto, Portugal. This art deco building is arguably one of the most relevant landmarks of Porto and a prestigious venue for music and cultural activities. It was built after the historical Salão Jardim Passos Manuel which was built in the early years of the XX century. The earliest sketches of the building are from the year 1911. However the building was officially declared built only in 1941.
The, at the time, modern-looking building counted with the collaboration of several Portuguese and a Dutch architect. In 1939, however, Cassiano Branco takes the responsibility for the coordination of the whole project.
In the 1990's two important events marked the history of the venue. In 1995 the building was nearly sold to a Brazilian Church (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God). However, a mass demonstration of the people of Porto, promoted by several prominent members of the Portuguese and, especially, the city's cultural milieu and supported by the Mayor (Fernando Gomes) and by the government sparked an intervention that prevented the deal to take place. The venue was handed over to a group of citizens that, still today, manages the Coliseu as a cultural venue. In 1996 a fire destroyed part of the venue, including the stage, the back-stage and part of the auditorium. Although originally rebuilt in a very short period, this first attempt showed some limitations and the venue suffered new interventions in 1997 and 1998. It was officially reopened in November 1998, about two years after the fire, and has since then regained its role as one of Porto's most dynamic cultural spots.
[edit] Technical Details
The main auditorium of Coliseu do Porto has a capacity for 3,500 people standing and 2.955 seated when we count the 1st and 2nd stalls, the dress circle, the boxes, upper circle and the reserved and general gallery [[1]]. There is also a smaller room, called salão Ático, which has capacity for 300 perople and, as such, is more suitable for smaller performances, conferences and symposia [[2]].
