Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The cinema l'Eden, built in 1931 by architect André Guillon, was an emblematic Art Deco building in Saint-Jean-d'Angély. Its façade, decorated with bas-reliefs representing the Arts and Sciences, had won the Silver Medal at the Brussels World Exhibition in 1935. Listed at the Historic Monuments in 1984, it was closed in 2004 due to its delapidated state.

A fire in May 2014 partially destroyed the building, causing its main façade to collapse. Some bas-reliefs were saved in extremis. After the demolition of the ruins, an identical reconstruction was undertaken with the support of the Region, Europe and the State.

The reconstructed cinema, inaugurated in September 2018 at a cost of 3.7 million euros, now incorporates modern equipment. It hosts various projections, shows and cultural events. Bruno Guillon, presenter, is the sponsor.

The original building, inspired by the Parisian cinemas of the time, included a bar room lit by a stylized glass window. Its balcony was rebuilt in the 1950s. Today, the site continues its cultural role in the city.

The Art Deco bas-reliefs, symbols of cinema, represented on the one hand the film science (bobins and film) and on the other art, inspired by the style of Josephine Baker. These artistic elements contributed to its regional prestige.

After its destruction, the town hall chose to preserve its architectural heritage by faithfully rebuilding it, while adapting it to contemporary standards of security and accessibility.

External links