Kaparen, Movie theater in Majorna district, Sweden
Kaparen is a movie theater in the Masthugget district featuring flat roofs, stucco walls, and large windows that bring natural light into the interior spaces. The building follows functionalist design principles with simple, practical forms and minimal decorative details.
The theater was designed by architect Nils Olsson and opened to the public in 1940. It was built during a period when functionalist architecture was gaining influence in Sweden and establishing new standards for practical, economical building design.
The name comes from the privateer Lars Gathenhielm, whose nearby house inspired it. Artist Gunnar Erik Ström decorated the interior with the reliefs "Skeppsbrutna" and "Avskedet" and a shell with a privateer ship in the foyer, under the motto "Till sjöss." The 48 glass seagulls in the ceiling were lit from within by bulbs.
The former cinema stands at Stigbergstorget in Majorna, Gothenburg. Since 2022 the premises have housed Moreno Pizza, which occupies the converted auditorium. The building is reached on foot from the surrounding streets; the entrance area is at street level.
The lobby held a large shell-shaped decoration with a model privateer ship, made by artist Gunnar Erik Ström, whose motto while working was "Till sjöss" (At sea). The auditorium ceiling carried 48 glass seagulls lit from inside by light bulbs, and a net of fish hung in front of the blue velvet curtain.
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