1930s Interior Staircase

1930s Interior Staircase of the former Cinema São Luis , Rio De Janeiro ( Rua do Catete, 311)

This movie theatre was an Art Deco wonder that unfortunately was demolished

“The project for this cinema was by the architect Jaime Fonseca Rodrigues and its internal project was inspired by Radio City Music Hall, in New York. It had three levels for the audience, with comfortable seats and great sound.

Inaugurated in 1937, the cinema had 2002 seats in 1945, and was partially demolished in 1980, when it was expropriated for the passage of the Metro.

Initially, what was demolished was the magnificent entrance hall. The exhibition room was unharmed, as were the stairs. During the works on the subway, the entrance on Rua do Catete was closed and entered from the side of the hall, on Rua Machado de Assis, through a discreet door.

Years later, the cinema was demolished to be built a shopping center with shops and, on the upper floor, 4 modern movie theaters; where the new Cine São Luiz currently operates.”

Via Luiz Paulo Junior , Rio Secreto