Conservatory Theater
The building serves as a backdrop to the Passeig de Pere III, as the end point of the first section that thus completes the ensemble of wealthy buildings and the complementary facilities of the bourgeoisie of Manresa. Located in the Old Quarter, with the façade alongside the Muralla del Carme in a place of great civic activity and in a highly recognized and strategic position.
Typology/Elements
Monumental public building, detached and formed by the main structure of the Theatre along with remains of the former Dominican convent and other municipal facilities. It is a major work where the theatre hall stands out, occupying the cloister courtyard of the old convent, along with an elongated structure facing Jaume I street, housing the Municipal Conservatory of Music and other municipal offices. This structure has a layout of ground floor and upper floor. The façade on Muralla del Carme street is of neoclassical style, with a predominance of solid over void. Centered access with three arched windows on the upper floor and a recessed triangular pediment.
The other façades are of limited interest. The interior of the theatre follows the Italian typology, with a stalls area and four tiers of boxes. Surrounding it are two preserved wings of the 18th-century cloister, with ribbed vaults and pillars with elaborately crafted classical capitals. Another entrance goes through a lobby parallel to Mestre Blanc street, which also provides access to the Music Conservatory. The construction system consists of load-bearing walls and a roof made of wooden trusses. Notable decorative elements include the classical capitals of the Cloister and the original decoration of the Theatre.
Originally this space was a Gothic church of the Preachers (1321); Dominican Convent (1684-1740-1835), and it is currently used as a theatre.
Authorship
Josep Torres i Argullol (Sallent, 1850 - Montevideo, 1909), architect + Monlleví, decorator
State of conservation
- Exterior: Good
- Façades: Well conserved
- Roofs: Well conserved
- Openings: Well conserved
- Gardens/surroundings: Well conserved
- Interior: Good
