Capitol Theatre, Art Deco movie theater in Escolta Street, Manila, Philippines
The Capitol Theatre is a movie house in the Art Deco style on Escolta Street defined by a symmetrical tower with tiered levels and elaborate grille decorations of squares and circles. Inside, two balcony levels provided 800 seats for audiences watching films from a well-designed auditorium space.
Architect Juan Nakpil designed this building, which first opened to audiences in 1934 showing a Hollywood film. It served as a working cinema for more than seven decades before closing permanently in 2008.
Two female figures carved into the facade symbolize the performing arts through theatrical and musical elements. These sculptures remain visible reminders of what this building once meant to Manila's entertainment life.
The building is no longer active as a cinema, but its historic facade remains visible from the street and accessible for visitors wanting to observe the architecture up close. The location on busy Escolta Street makes it easy to find and explore alongside other classic buildings in the area.
The building's floor plan was shaped like a human head, an unusual architectural choice for a public cinema of that era. The entrance lobby displayed a mural called Rising Philippines created by three renowned artists.
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