Art Deco

The Capitol Theater is an Art deco theater in Manila, Philippines.
It was built during the 1930s along Escolta Street, part of the city's
primary commercial district, together with the Lyric Theater. It was designed with a double-balcony by National Artist Juan Nakpil and was
considered a rare feat during that era.[1]
rchitecture[edit]
A decorative tower, located over the main entrance, was intentionally designed to be different from the rest of the building. The tower
facade is symmetrically composed with lines offsetting each other to emphasize the strong and rigid geometric forms; this is most especially
shown at the top, with recessed tiers resembling a ziggurat and the geometric details at the top corners. [2] At the center of this is an art deco
grillework that is made up of squares and circles surrounded by two pilasters on both sides. Both of the vertical surfaces have low-relief
figures depicting two Filipina muses which are portrayed wearing native dress or 'traje de mestizas' and local fauna which include carabao
head.[2][3] This was done by Francesco Riccardo Monti, also known for his works in some of the famous buildings in Metro Manila. Strong
lines and soft curves outline the pleats of the gowns worn by the muses. To represent its use as a theater, both muses each hold a mask
and a lyre, associated with theater arts and music, respectively.
The external elements found in the building relate to the function of the structure as a cinema and the Art Deco style with its strong
geometric forms. Crowning the top of the central tower is the world "Capitol," the name of the structure in concrete. Due to natural and
human-caused damage, only the I and T remain.
The national flower, sampaguita was the underlying motif of the interior spaces shown in wrought-iron grills on the stairs, the lobby, the
foyer and the proscenium arch.[3] Also found in its lobby is a mural entitled "Rising Philippines" done by Victorio C. Edades, Carlos V.
Francisco and Galo B. Ocampo. The theme also is evident in the proscenium arch, featuring sampaguita flowers in bloom finished in white
seashell. Four concentric circles of short bamboo nodes and internodes radiate from the sampaguita flowers. [2]
The theater accommodates 800 seats in its air-conditioned double-balcony interior.
The Manila Metropolitan Theater (Filipino: Tanghalang Pangkalakhan ng Maynila, or MET) is a Philippine Art Deco building found at
the Mehan Garden located onPadre Burgos Avenue corner Arroceros Street, near the Manila Central Post Office. It was designed by
architect Juan M. Arellano and inaugurated on December 10, 1931.[1]
Standing at the back is a huge vertical box decorated on the sides by geometric motifs. The ceiling profile of the auditorium was reflected in
the exterior through stepped vaults.[3]
There were different artists who collaborated in this project especially inside the theater. Located at the main lobby were sculptures of Adam
and Eve done by Francesco Riccardo Monti,who resided in Manila from 1930 up to his death in 1958. [5] Isabelo Tampingco, a Filipino artist
designed the Philippine plant-themed carvings in the interior spaces including the lobby while National Artist Fernando Amorsolo painted
the murals The Dance and The History of Music located at the ends of the balcony. The grillwork on small balconies looking out into the
foyer was exceptionally elegant transitions from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, expressed by Lourdes Montinola in her book.[1] The two black
posts at the bottom of the staircases were decorated with glass mosaic tiles.
The main auditorium projects a different character as compared to the building envelopes ornamentality. A sequence of gradually lowered
arches made of local wood, enhanced by panels with colorful motifs. These motifs were a combination of mangoes, bananas, and foliage
painted by the brother of Juan Arellano, Arcadio. On top of the proscenium are figures symbolic of Music, Tragedy, Poetry and Comedy.
Resembling bamboo stalks are the tapering lamps of translucent glass which surround the theater space. [1] The focal point is the
rectangular stage adorned with mango fruits and leaves motif. [6]
The crystal lamps made from bamboo stalks which vertically light up the hall are the first in the country in terms of indirect lighting. It is also
a new character of Art Deco during that period. The theater, according to some people has good acoustics and lighting and a large seating
capacity of 1,670 (846 orchestra, 116 in loge, and 708 in balcony) which housed performances, operas, concerts, and plays for more than a
decade.[7] It also continued up to the Japanese occupation where Zarzuelas, Filipino operas, films and stage were shown.

Art Deco

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What architectural features are highlighted in the tower facade of the Capitol Theater?

What motifs were used in the interior spaces of the Manila Metropolitan Theater?

The Capitol Theater is an Art deco theater in Manila, Philippines.

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