A building of major architectural importance, situated in the commercial heart of the city. Built during the first half of the 20th century and boasting an iconic architectural form, it was used as a cinema for many years. Thanks to its unique, bravura design, it can easily be converted into a semi-open-air space to host both indoor and outdoor activities. The decision to include this building in the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture infrastructure development programme rescued it from oblivion. Following its purchase by the Municipality of Elefsina, and its renovation sponsored by Hellenic Petroleum, it will be in a position to serve as a multi-purpose arts space – perhaps better described as an arts hub − hosting art exhibitions, performing arts events, workshops, screenings, meetings, and scores of other activities. This arts hub will also act as a focal point for 2023 Eleusis legacy projects after the title year, set in the very heart of everyday life in the city.
Cine Eleusis, located in Upper Elefsina, has been directly linked to the city’s cultural history. According to the book by Kostas Lykidis, entitled “Cinema Halls of Elefsina” (Greek title: “Κινηματογραφικές Αίθουσες της Ελευσίνας”), the cinema opened in 1963 on the initiative of Stavros Mamaloukos and his son Stamatis, who later became the owner. Originally it had 550 seats, and its sides also featured special shutters, which would open, converting it to an open cinema for the summer. Cine Eleusis hosted screenings by the Cinema Club, theatrical performances by various troupes, as well as many events by local cultural associations. The cinema was hugely successful, with large crowds of people flocking to the screenings every single time. It closed down in 1988, following Stamatis Mamaloukos’ serious health problems. Its last screening was that of the legendary period film “La Bamba,” by Luis Valdez.
HELLENIC PETROLEUM, a subsidiary of HELLENiQ ENERGY, recognizing the importance of the building – a landmark of Eleusis – which was the center of the social and cultural life of the city for decades – undertook the financing of the study and the implementation of the complete reconstruction and change of use of the Eleusis Syne . The historic ELEFSIS cinema, after decades of abandonment, is coming back to life!
In December 2023, it reopened after a full 35 years, simultaneously inaugurating the legacy project of 2023 Eleusis, IN SITU REALITIES – Documentary Festival of Eleusis, within the framework of 2023 Eleusis.
