Ribeiro Conceição Theatre

The building that is now home to the Ribeiro da Conceição Theatre originally belonged to the Misericórdia de Lamego, and until 1892, housed this charity’s hospital. Its subsequent history was very complex, going through several phases until its acquisition by José Ribeiro Conceição, who turned it into a theatre. The property was built, or rebuilt, in the 18th century, in 1727 to be exact, and the façade that is preserved is a good example of Baroque architecture from the first half of the 18th century in Portugal.

 

The city’s new cultural venue that was inaugurated on 2nd February 1929, was highly acclaimed in the regional press, which said “The Palace of pain has been transformed into a beautiful palace of pleasure!” (CABRAL, 1996, p. 72). As well as a theatre, the building also served as a cinema.

 

It closed its doors in 1987, and was acquired by the City Council, which has been refurbishing the building since the 1990s. It is listed as a building of public interest.