Craving a night of dazzling entertainment? Then, you are in front of the Teatro Broadway. This Buenos Aires landmark has been captivating audiences since 1930. The Teatro Broadway is more than just a theater. It is a symbol of Argentina’s vibrant cultural scene.
Designed by Hungarian architect Jorge Kálnay, the Teatro Broadway first opened its doors as a Cine-Teatro Broadway. Augusto Álvarez, a Spanish film businessman, commissioned Kálnay for the design in 1929. Kálnay initially gained recognition for architecture inspired by his homeland. He later embraced Art Deco which is represented by the Teatro Broadway. Later on he transitioned to the rationalist movement.
The Teatro Broadway was built on land owned by the Gourdy family. The German company Wayss y Freytag constructed it. The grand opening took place on October 11, 1930. A. Álvarez & Cía, the owning company, presented the film “La Tragedia Submarina” by 20th Century Fox. Back then, the Gourdy family were partners. They were proportionally involved with the venue.
In Argentina’s golden age of cinema, old theaters adapted. They hosted both stage plays and film screenings. The Teatro Broadway initially served as both a movie theater and a live performance venue. Today, it focuses solely on theatrical productions. It is known especially for its revue shows.
From its opening until 1939, under Álvarez’s leadership, the Teatro Broadway premiered major American films. These came from studios like MGM, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, and Columbia. It also showcased domestically produced films until 1935.
A significant change occurred between January and February of 1935. The “Broadway” was acquired by the Lautaret-Cavallo-Cordero consortium. This group also owned the nearby “Gran Rex”. The new company acquired it with the renovated “Select Lavalle” from Augusto Álvarez. “Select Lavalle” was then named “Mogador”.
The original theater boasted a unique parabolic roof. This design enhanced acoustics. It eliminated echoes and reverberations. It also improved air circulation. The Teatro Broadway featured a 12-meter overhang above the audience. It also included innovative central air conditioning. The venue accommodated 2265 people.
The legendary Carlos Gardel graced the Teatro Broadway with his voice on September 11, 1931. In 1942, the theater dedicated its screenings exclusively to Argentine films. In 1954, the sound system was modernized. The Cinemascope system was introduced with “El Manto Sagrado.” Like many cinemas, the original single hall was divided into two smaller spaces.
The upper eight floors were originally designed as rental apartments. A small confectionery was also planned. Vierendel trusses, spanning 18 meters, supported the theater’s roof. This design eliminated the need for columns within the performance space.
In 1999, businessman Alejandro Romay took over the Teatro Broadway. He undertook a comprehensive modernization project. The upper floors were transformed into the “Broadway Hotel & Suites”. On May 2 of that year, Narciso Ibáñez Menta was honored. Sala 1 was named after him. Sala 2 was named Raúl Rossi. Inexplicably, their names and portraits were removed around 2004. This decision upset their fans. On May 15, 2005, the first anniversary of Ibáñez Menta’s death, a protest was organized at the theater’s entrance. But, the new owners did not reinstate the names.
In April 2010, Moria Casán was honored. One of the Teatro Broadway’s halls was named after her.
The Teatro Broadway continues to be a Buenos Aires landmark. It blends history, architecture, and entertainment. From its Art Deco design to its famous performers, it offers an unforgettable experience. The Teatro Broadway remains a cultural treasure in the heart of Buenos Aires.