Cinema "Ideal", Buenos Aires

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.

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Cinema "Ideal" on Map

Sight Name: Cinema "Ideal"
Sight Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (See walking tours in Buenos Aires)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Create Your Own Walk in Buenos Aires

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Recoleta Neighborhood Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Buenos Aires Introduction Walking Tour

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Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina. The city was first founded as Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Ayre in 1536 by the Spanish. But this settlement was quickly abandoned in 1542, and the city was refounded in 1580. Buenos Aires boomed as a port city focused on trade.

Argentina gained independence from Spanish rule during the May Revolution of 1810. Today, the May...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles

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