Víctor Cinema

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1948-1954 · Authors: José Enrique Marrero Regalado

The architect Marrero Regalado drew up the plans in 1948 for this building intended for housing and cinema, located in the heart of Plaza de La Paz. He articulated it through a basement floor, street level, a mezzanine (these bodies would house the Víctor Cinema) and four floors for housing.

The external configuration of the building is defined by rich ornamentation with cantilevered balconies, sash windows, balcony loggias and a rich repertoire of elements drawn from Canarian regionalism.

Inside, a decorative cycle was developed that goes beyond neocanarian modes to become a successful and interesting own repertoire. Not only were each of the pieces designed, but textures, materials and colours were combined, all topped off by carefully studied lighting according to the different areas.

The work had a complicated construction process given its capacity and volume. In spring 1954 the cinema was inaugurated; the housing had already been occupied for two years.

The Víctor, besides being an important building for the urban fabric, was one of the best cinemas Santa Cruz had. The major films of the moment premiered there.

Today it surprisingly continues to screen films almost unchanged.

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