Overview

Belgians seem to have been particularly receptive to the art of filmmaking, since it was in Brussels, in 1895, that the Lumière brothers chose to present their first official screening, six months after the historic Lyon showing. Since that time, the city centre has become a meeting place for movie buffs, as evidenced by the construction of the Eldorado cinema in 1931-1932, designed by architect Marcel Chabot. Chabot showed a preference for Art Deco and designed an impressive hall with a capacity of 3,000 spectators. The expansion of the complex between 1974 and 1978 irreparably affected this space, with the lower section cut off. However, the upper part was preserved, and today’s large cinema still boasts a remarkable colonial-inspired décor. Comprising a succession of gilded reliefs by sculptors Wolf and Van Neste, it illustrates daily life in the Congo in the 1930s, with a special focus on flora and fauna. Today, the hall can accommodate 708 spectators, who are more than happy to enjoy this unique setting. (CL 28/04/1994) Self-guided tours on Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm. Guided tours on Saturday at 10.00 am (FR), 10.00 am (NL), 11.00 am (FR), 11.00 am (EN) (duration 45 min, maximum 20 people per departure). In collaboration with Arkadia (FR) and Korei Guided Tours (NL/EN). Guided tour in Belgian French sign language - Saturday at 11:30.

Practical information

Saturday from 10:00 to 12:30

UGC, place de Brouckère 24-26, 1000 Brussels

Advance booking not required. nicole_lemaire@icloud.com

Accessible with assistance

Belgian-French sign language visit

Address
UGC, place de Brouckère 24-26, 1000 Brussels