A modernist building, more than 100 years of history and three months of free films. That is what offers the historic Cine Doré, located in the Lavapiés neighborhood of Madrid, very close to the Plaza de Antón Martín. For more than 30 years it has been the headquarters of the Filmoteca Española and has established itself as a meeting point for film lovers.
During the next three months renovations will be carried out to improve the accessibility of the building, so the Ministry of Culture has left free tickets as compensation. The programming has remained the same and will offer classics, contemporary cinema, documentaries and thematic cycles.
With this measure, moviegoers will be able to enjoy this art for free and, in December, access to the big screen will be much easier for everyone: a ramp and an elevator will be installed. Thus, the facilities, which are more than a hundred years old, will be adapted to all audiences without losing their historical and cultural heritage.
History of our cinema
The Cine Doré has witnessed the transformations of the cinematographic world in Madrid. It was born in 1912 as a “salon”, a venue for various social leisure activities. It could accommodate up to 1250 spectators and was already located at 3 Santa Isabel Street, next to Antón Martín.
In 1923, the architect Críspulo Moro Cabeza designed the building we know today. He conceived it as a neighborhood cinema with a modernist style, common at the time and consistent with the architecture of the city. It projected the most important films and documentaries of the time, which were often accompanied by the music of a live orchestra or choir.
With the decadence of the Antón Martín neighborhood, it remained as a more modest neighborhood cinema, where films were re-released. The spectators used to eat pipes, so it was known as “El palacio de las pipas” until its closure in 1963.
In the 1980’s it was restored and catalogued as a space of architectural interest that should be cared for and preserved. The Ministry of Culture renovated it to convert it into the headquarters of the Spanish Film Library and a place to disseminate the Spanish cinematographic heritage.
Free tickets
At the Cine Doré, price has never been a limiting factor for spectators to attend its screenings. Until now, its general rate was 3 euros per session and is now reduced to zero.
Tickets can be obtained three days in advance through the website of the Filmoteca Española, choosing the film and session. It is also possible to order them at the box office, open from Tuesday to Sunday between 5 and 8 pm.
What you can see
On the website of the Filmoteca Española is collected all the program of the Cine Doré. In September there will be a cycle dedicated to Spanish cinema, with films by Albert Serra, Carla Simón and Pilar Palomero, among many others.
There will also be a tribute to Sam Peckinpah, master of westerns and violence, who directed classics such as Straw Dogs, The Getaway and The Wild Bunch. European cinema gems such as Jacques Demy ‘sA Room in the City and recent series such as Luca Guadagnino’s We are who we are will also be screened.