Cinema Rialto
Cinema Rialto (Arabic: سينما ريالطو) is a movie theater built in 1929 in Casablanca, Morocco.[1] It's one of the oldest cinemas in Morocco.
Cinema Rialto | |
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سينما ريالطو | |
Etymology | The Rialto is a neighborhood and market in Venice. |
General information | |
Architectural style | Art Deco |
Location | Casablanca, Morocco |
Address | 35 Mohammed El Qori Street |
Completed | 1929 |
Design and construction | |
Architect | Pierre Jabin |
History
Construction was completed in 1929 according to the designs of the French architect Pierre Jabin. Cinema Rialto is symbolic of a time when Casablanca was shaped by a culture of entertainment and recreation. The cinema hosted the premiers of international films and as well as performers such as Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and others. In 1943, the American entertainer Josephine Baker even performed at the Rialto for American soldiers stationed in Morocco after Operation Torch in World War II.[2]
Movie theaters became less important with the spread of technology allowing people to watch movies at home for cheaper, but Cinema Rialto still attracts visitors and tourists.
Architecture
Cinema Rialto is considered a monument of the Art Deco architecture for which Casablanca is famous, and for that reason it still draws visitors. The cinema holds 1300 seats, of which 400 are on the characteristic mezzanine level. Despite the many renovations over the years, the building's architectural style is still considered entirely Art Deco.[3]
References
- "سينما ريالطو". 2019-04-20. Archived from the original on 2019-04-20. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- Blondeau, Mathilde; Joundy Ouazzani, Kenza (2016). Casablanca courts-circuits (in French). Casablanca: Editions Ethnic attitude. ISBN 9789954377505. OCLC 1049194278.
- "Cinéma Rialto · Casablanca". 2019-04-21. Archived from the original on 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2019-10-01.