The Avenida Cinema

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Memory spaces · Year: 1931 · Authors: Rafael Massanet y Faus

The Avenida Cinema was one of the most emblematic cultural buildings in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It was located along the avenida General Franco, now known as Primero de Mayo, but then knocked down in 1996, having been closed eight years before, causing an irrepairable loss to the city. Social unrest and its being named a site of cultural interest were not enough to respect a building that formed part of the architectural heritage of the city. Inside, on its stage, there were a series of fresco paintings by Nicolás Massieu, which were also lost for ever. 

The Avenida Cinema was inaugurated on 21st November 1931 under the name of Hollywood Cinema. Following the civil war its name was changed to Cine Avenida. Its owner was Rafael Caballero Rodríguez. The architect employed for this building was Rafael Masanet y Faus. The first ever show on its opening night was:

Film: Paramount Magazine in Sound

Night Symphony (drawings)

Paramount Galas

Yes, we have no bananas (colour drawings in Spanish)

28.106171, -15.420313