Salas de cine en Bogotá (1897-1940): la arquitectura como símbolo de modernización del espacio urbano
Abstract
Movie theaters, known simply as theaters or cinemas in Bogotá, represent an exceptional case among those facilities made for leisure that were built in Latin American capitals during the first half of the twentieth century. Only recently have they been designated as objects of study, this is due to their particular evolution at an architectural and urban level. They provide new elements that enrich the understanding of social processes that took place in those cities in development. This article analyzes the main characteristics which in the case of Bogotá, surrounded the arrival and reception of the cinematic spectacle and its architecture in the first decade of the twentieth century. It also encompasses the elements that led to its adaptation and consolidation at the beginning of the so-called “golden age” of cinemas (in the1940´s). The spatiality of the new activity and its acceptance within a society rooted in strong nineteenth-century traditions are also studied. This analysis mainly covers the period from the first performance (Teatro Municipal, 1897), through to the opening of the first theater built to house film performances (Salón Olympia, 1912), it also includes the coexistence of multiple forms of film exhibition with other leisure activities of Bogota´s society (Teatro Faenza, 1924), up until the last two large halls built in the central area of the city -Bogotá went from 121,000 to 326.000 inhabitants- (Teatro San Jorge, Teatro Colombia 1938 and 1940 were inaugurated) and other important theaters appear in the periphery (Teatro El Parque, 1936; Teatro Teusaquillo, 1938).
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