De Roma, originally Kinema Roma, is an Art Deco cultural centre and performance venue in Borgerhout, Antwerp (Belgium).

The main entrance at Turnhoutsebaan 286, Borgerhout

History

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The building, designed by Alphonse Pauwels, was originally constructed in 1927 as a 2,000-seat cinema (the largest in Antwerp) with flats above.[1] The main entrance was remodelled in 1958 by the architect Rie Haan.[1] De Roma became a popular music venue in the 1970s, with big names from Britain and America performing there on European tours, but closed in 1982.

 
A poster for two 1971 performances in De Roma by Cliff Richard and The Shadows supported by Olivia Newton-John

The building was classified as a monument in 2002[1] and reopened as a cultural centre and performance venue on 15 May 2003 after initial restoration by volunteers.[2] It was closed for three months in the summer of 2015 for further renovations which cost 2.8 million euros, financed by the region, the city, the district and a non-profit foundation, and were carried out with the aid of 400 volunteers.[3] In 2016 the restoration was awarded the first annual prize for built heritage.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Cinema Roma". inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
  2. ^ Eric Rinckhout (22 May 2012). "Succesvolle volksschouwburg De Roma steekt tandje bij". De Morgen.
  3. ^ Nina Bernaerts (17 September 2015). "Restauratie De Roma voltooid". Het Laatste Nieuws.
  4. ^ "De Roma eerste winnaar van Onroerenderfgoedprijs". Gazet van Antwerpen. Belga. 7 October 2016.
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