The European Film Academy announced this afternoon the eleven treasures of European film culture. The Tivoli BBVA Theatre is the only Portuguese project awarded in this edition.
The Tivoli BBVA Theatre, founded as Cine-Teatro Tivoli in 1924, has just been distinguished by the European Film Academy with the title of “Treasure of European Film Culture”.
This recognition is granted to cinemas of historical, architectural and symbolic importance to Europe’s cinematic heritage, highlighting the fundamental role these spaces play in preserving collective memory and promoting the continent’s cultural diversity.
The appointment is the result of the recommendation of the Portuguese Film Academy, which has played an active role in strengthening ties between Portugal and the European Film Academy. This joint work has made it possible to promote the national cinematographic heritage internationally and highlight the Portuguese contribution to European cinema.
“This is an award that further dignifies the Tivoli BBVA Theatre, a century-old venue in Lisbon that continues to open its doors to culture. The Tivoli BBVA Theatre has maintained its architectural and cultural essence since its initial design, and this award is the culmination of the efforts that have been made to preserve this historical heritage from the 20th century,” highlights Paulo Dias, Administrator of the Tivoli BBVA Theatre.
By recognising the Tivoli BBVA Theatre with the title of “Treasure of European Film Culture”, the European Film Academy not only praises its historical value, but also reaffirms the importance of theatres as places for meeting, sharing and collective enjoyment of the art of cinema.
TIVOLI BBVA THEATRE
Opened on November 30, 1924, the Tivoli Cinema-Theatre was designed by architect Raúl Lino and commissioned by Frederico Lima Mayer, with the aim of providing Lisbon with a modern and sophisticated cinema on par with the major European capitals.
The silent film Imperial Violets, by Henry Roussel and starring Raquel Meller, was shown at the opening, accompanied by a sextet conducted by violinist Nicolino Milano. Since then, this venue has become an essential landmark in the city’s cultural life, hosting not only iconic film premieres, such as Doctor Zhivago or The Sound of Music, but also a diverse programme that includes theatre, concerts and dance performances, featuring renowned names.
The Tivoli BBVA Theatre was acquired by UAU Produtora at the end of 2011. Since then, the producer has invested in the restoration of the Theatre, preserving its architectural legacy, equipping the room with new technologies and presenting a constant and diverse cultural program. In 2015, the Tivoli BBVA Theatre was classified as a Monument of Public Interest, and this distinction from the European Film Academy comes on the eve of the celebration of the International Day for Monuments and Sites.
Last year, the Tivoli BBVA Theatre marked the centenary of the cultural venue with a cycle of commemorative programming that has been in effect since 2023 and ends in November of this year. As part of the celebrations, Teatro Tivoli BBVA and Have a Nice Day, with texts by Teresa Ribeiro, published the book “Tivoli: 100 years in our life”, which is more than a book about the history of the theater, it is a book about all the people who attended the theater and stepped onto the stage of the ex-libris of Avenida da Liberdade. The book is on sale at Ticketline.
UAU Produtora thus reinforces its commitment to keeping this space alive and dynamic, which is deeply rooted in the emotional memory of Lisbon residents and in the history of cinema in Portugal. With this distinction, Teatro Tivoli BBVA reinforces its status as guardian of memory, identity and passion for cinema.
The Tivoli BBVA Theatre joins a shortlist of 60 renowned venues already recognised by the European Film Academy across Europe, including Ribeira in Porto.
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