Cinéma-théâtre le Varia, former cinema in Charleroi, Belgium
Cinéma-théâtre le Varia is a movie theater and performance venue built in the early 1910s in Jumet near Charleroi with notable Art Nouveau design elements including large balconies. The structure shows the construction techniques of that era, including reinforced concrete used to support the main hall and other spaces.
The building was designed and constructed between 1910 and 1913 by architect Eugène Claes as an entertainment venue for the growing industrial city. Its operation ended in 1989 after serving for decades as a major venue for film and theater in the region.
The theater served as a gathering place for opera performances, dance shows, and film screenings that drew people from across the region. It played an important role in the cultural life of Charleroi, offering entertainment for people of all backgrounds.
Access to the building requires advance contact since it is currently closed and protected as heritage. Visitors should reach out to the Walloon Heritage Institute to learn about possible visits or tours.
The venue held over 1500 seats in its main hall, making it one of the largest entertainment spaces in the region and attracting performers like Jacques Brel. Its closure in the late 1980s marked the end of an era for the local entertainment scene.
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