The Municipality of Elefsina has purchased the historic Cine Eleusis, in view of the 2023 ΕΛΕVΣΙΣ European Capital of Culture. This is a major milestone that will breathe new life in Elefsina’s cultural scene, as Cine Eleusis will be the city’s first indoor theater stage. The aim of the venue is to host theatrical performances, film screenings and artistic activities during the title year, 2023, as well as to become a major infrastructure-legacy for the Municipality of Elefsina.
The plot has a total surface area of 1,015.16 m2 and, with the subsequent reconstruction of the building, it will be able to host shows and cultural events with a capacity of approximately 200 people.
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.
