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
سينما ريالطو
EtymologyThe Rialto is a neighborhood and market in Venice.
General information
Architectural styleArt Deco
LocationCasablanca, Morocco
Address35 Mohammed El Qori Street
Completed1929
Design and construction
ArchitectPierre Jabin

History

Construction was completed in 1929 according to the designs of the French architect Pierre Jabin. It was designed to seat 1,350 spectators.[2]

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.[3]

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.[4]

References
  1. "سينما ريالطو". 2019-04-20. Archived from the original on 2019-04-20. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  2. Cohen, Jean-Louis, author. Casablanca : colonial myths and architectural ventures. ISBN 1-58093-087-5. OCLC 49225856.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. Blondeau, Mathilde; Joundy Ouazzani, Kenza (2016). Casablanca courts-circuits (in French). Casablanca: Editions Ethnic attitude. ISBN 9789954377505. OCLC 1049194278.
  4. "Cinéma Rialto · Casablanca". 2019-04-21. Archived from the original on 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2019-10-01.


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