Cinema "Ideal", Buenos Aires

The Cinema Ideal stands close to Avenida Corrientes in the heart of central Buenos Aires. Designed by architect Alberto Bourdon, it officially opened its doors in 1940, boasting a capacious seating arrangement for 1,200 individuals. A renovation took place in 1980, guided by the architectural vision of Armando Lopez Leon. However, unfortunate circumstances led to a damaging fire on February 23rd, 1983.

During the bustling 1930s, the Cinema Ideal formed part of the vibrant cinema scene on Suipacha Street, alongside the Suipacha, Princesa, and Biarritz cinemas. Its name drew inspiration from its proximity to the Confitería Ideal. Today, the Cinema Ideal has transformed into a venue frequented as an adult cinema and a gathering spot for the gay community within Buenos Aires.

Emerging amid the 1930 economic crisis, its exterior showcased evident European influences, adorned with intricate embellishments. Historical accounts differ; some assert it was the first cinema in Buenos Aires to exhibit sound-enabled films, while others maintain it pioneered air-conditioned screening rooms. The incontrovertible aspects encompass an 800-seat capacity, lavish interiors adorned with multi-hued marble veneers, a lavishly decorated fumoir (smoking lounge), and a projector paired with a Radio Corp sound system.

Following the decline of the Suipacha and Lavalle street cinema circuit, Cinema Ideal transformed into an adult entertainment venue, progressively becoming a favored meeting place for the LGBTQ+ community. At present, the edifice has undergone extensive modifications, concealing its original intricate details beneath a mirrored glass canopy that now envelops its façade.