Nestled between two towering, overgrown buildings in Bucharest, the Garden of Cinema Capitol is slowly suffocating. An oasis of tranquility, shaded by trees and threatened by crumbling plaster, the site is a heartbreaking symbol of neglect. It is a quiet reminder of a broader pattern, as it begins to share the same fate as the nearby Adevĕrul Palace. A pall of decay hangs over Constantin Mille Street, a stark indication of how time has not been kind to these historical landmarks.
The former Alhambra Summer Theatre – its original name – stubbornly holds on to its existence through intricate stucco work and the iconic caryatids crafted by sculptor Spiridon Georgescu. These architectural elements are some of the last vestiges of identity for the theatre, which was constructed in an eclectic style at the beginning of the 20th century, according to plans by architect Nicolae Nenciulescu. Though time and neglect have taken their toll, the garden cinema or summer theatre still holds the status of a historic monument (LMI Code B-II-m-B-19202), a fact that may play a pivotal role in an expedited restoration process.
From 2008 to 2016, various actions to revive the site took place, culminating in Save or Cancel’s 2017-2018 awareness campaign. This initiative sought to highlight the importance of preserving national cultural heritage, with a focus on Cinema/Theatre Capitol. The campaign revealed the site’s untapped potential to become an independent cultural hub, breathing new life into a forgotten gem of Bucharest’s history. It’s a poignant reminder that preservation is not only about restoring a building, but also about reclaiming a space for the community to reconnect with their cultural roots.
Text: Alex Iacob
Photos: Alex Iacob & Robert Casmirovici
Salut! cum ai intrat acolo? E cineva care se ocupa si ar putea permite accesul? Trebuie vorbit cu cineva pentru asta? Mi-a venit o idee pentru finalul de toamna despre gunoiul dinauntru, ma intrebam cum oare as putea intra.
Salut Marius! Hai sa vorbim pe mail.
reptilianul@yahoo.com (da-mi un semn)
Un loc superb tratat numai cu uitare! Păcat! Pe lângă neglijență, care la o adică poate fi scuzabilă, adăugăm o tonă de prostie. E vorba de trecutul nostru, iar atunci când nu avem grijă de el, riscăm să ne pierdem identitatea… Sper să ne trezim până nu e prea târziu! Felicităări pentru articol!