San Sebastian urban perspective (20th Century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Significant Part of the Urban Landscape
This building was an articulation point for the 19th urban plan of San Sebastián called Ensanche Cortázar. Its triangular-shaped plot, chamfer, and dome highlight its public use and strategic position within the historic urban landscape on the Spanish Northern Coast.
Comparative image San Sebastian vs Paris (20th Century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
French Inspiration and Largest Cinema at the Time
This is a comparative image between the Palacio de Bellas Artes in San Sebastián and the Grand Cinema du Monde in Paris, near Place de Clichy. The French reference was an inspiration for architect Cortázar in San Sebastián, and the largest cinema in the world at the time.
Building image at the 21st century, San Sebastian (21th Century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
A Glimpse into the Past
This is the building in 2010 prior to the demolition of the dome in 2015. The building has four levels: the first three consist of the main stage and audience seats, orchestra pit, and gallery. The fourth level was designed as a separate space.
Losing History Piece by Piece
Here we can appreciate the wrought iron and glass canopy at the original main entrance doors, which are no longer present today.
Ornamental detail of the facade, San Sebastian (21th Century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Unique Details Deteriorating
This is a close up of the facade where the poor state of conservation of the architectural details can be seen. Pollution and the proximity of road traffic have resulted in black crust, causing stains and erosion of the material.
View of the access of the patio stalls, San Sebastian (21th Century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Neglect
This is the access area for the orchestra pit. The lack of maintenance, the abandonment of the building, and the humidity have caused the deterioration of the walls and ceiling.
State of conservation of the gallery, San Sebastian (21th Century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Poor Conditions
In the gallery the dust deposits, hygroscopic material, and the humidity have contributed to the deterioration of the building. The coatings have detached and cracks have appeared, resulting in possible structural issues.
The audience attends, in the theater "Bellas Artes", a conference of the Catalan nationalist Francisco Cambó in 1917, San Sebastian (20th Century) by Martín RicardoICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Equality - Accessible to All Social Classes
The cinema is a show accessible to all social classes. Apart from the cinema spectacles, the citizens of San Sebastian have gathered in Palacio de Bellas Artes to attend political rallies or music concerts by the well-known Orfeón Donostiarra.
Architectural plans: elevations for original project (1914), San Sebastian (20th Century) by Ramón CortázarICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
The Emergence of Permanent Cinema Structures
Cinema emerged in France at the end of 1896. At first it was considered as a fairground attraction and the first buildings that housed cinematographic projections were ephemeral constructions.
Modernist Style Cinema
Around 1910, in parallel with the consolidation of cinema as art, the first permanent rooms were created where the facades portrayed a modernist style. The Palacio Bellas Artes is one of the earliest examples of this type of cinema palace in Spain.
Architectural plans: stall floor plans and sections for original project (1914) and adaptation (1943), San Sebastian (20th Century) by Ramón CortázarICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Revolutionary Technology
Despite its size and complexity the Palacio de Bellas Artes was built in just 5 months, thanks to the innovative use of reinforced concrete. It was a revolutionary technique relatively unknown in Spain at that time, especially for use in cultural buildings.
Innovative Design by Cortázar
This industrial construction system allowed Cortázar to design modern structures and large spaces, while complying with the fire-resistance regulations needed for public spaces.
Interior of the main room, San Sebastian (21st century) by Javi PezICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
An Uncertain Future
The building is now hidden behind mesh, awaiting its uncertain future. In 2014 ICOMOS reported the situation, thanks to the joint effort of the ISC20C and ICOMOS Spain. As a result, an International Alert was launched in 2019 to prevent demolition of the cinema.
View of the building, after the demolition of the dome in 2015, San Sebastian (21st century) by Guipuzkoa GaurICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Why is it Threatened?
After 25 years of abandonment, the interest shown by the property to turn the cultural complex into a residential building threatens its authenticity and its continuity as one of the historic landmarks in San Sebastián.
The Loss of Authenticity
A few years ago the highest protection of Palacio de Bellas Artes as a monument was removed and so the dome was demolished in 2015, allegedly in a bad state of conservation, modifying the building forever.
Beaux-Arts Palace, San Sebastian Endangered Heritage SiteICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Beaux-Arts Palace, Endangered Heritage Site
Palacio de Bellas Artes in San Sebastián, Spain
Emerging Professionals Working Group of ICOMOS Spain:
Héctor Manuel Aliaga de Miguel- architect
Isabel Álvarez Rico - restorer of film heritage
Teresa López Martínez - restorer
Andrea Martínez Fernández - archaeologist
Clara Villalba Montaner - architect
Fernando Espinosa de los Monteros, expert of ISC20C ICOMOS
ICOMOS Canada and Carleton University
