Consell de Mallorca Launches “Palma, City of Cinemas” Cultural Project
The Consell de Mallorca has unveiled an ambitious cultural initiative titled Palma, City of Cinemas, developed entirely by the institution’s Arxiu del So i la Imatge (Sound and Image Archive). This project traces the evolution of Palma’s movie theaters and their profound social and cultural impact on the city over decades.
A Dual Exhibition Experience
Running from February 6 to April 11, 2026, the project features a major exhibition spanning two locations: the historic Misericòrdia chapel and the first floor of Palma’s cultural center. Visitors can explore the displays Monday-Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, with the official inauguration scheduled for February 6 at 19:00.
Vice President and Minister of Culture and Heritage Antonia Roca emphasized the project’s significance: “This exhibition represents our institutional commitment to reclaiming and sharing cultural heritage intrinsically tied to Palma’s urban and social transformation through cinema.”
Immersive Journey Through Cinema History
The exhibition design by Àngel Llàcer creates an immersive experience featuring:
- Five original facade posters from the closed Multicines Metropolitan
- Vintage film projectors and hand-operated programs
- Poster artwork by renowned artist Rafael Ruiz
- Screening of Toni Bestard’s documentary El somni efímer (The Ephemeral Dream)
Francesc X. Bonnín, head of the Arxiu del So i la Imatge, oversaw the project’s coordination, ensuring archival accuracy and historical context.
Definitive Publication on Palma’s Cinematic Heritage
Complementing the exhibition is the book ‘Palma, City of Cinemas’, offering the most comprehensive study to date of the city’s cinematic venues – from grand first-run theaters to neighborhood cinemas. Key features include:
- Previously unpublished historical photographs
- Operational insights into cinema management
- Social impact analysis across different eras
Authored by cinema historians Verònica and Tomeu Fiol Obrador – recognized specialists in Mallorca’s film history – the publication benefits from collaboration with Palma City Council’s cultural department.
Preserving Collective Memory
This interdisciplinary project demonstrates the Consell de Mallorca’s expertise in cultural preservation through:
- Primary source material from official archives
- Collaboration with academic specialists
- Multi-format presentation (exhibition + publication)
With free admission to the exhibition and the book serving as a permanent resource, the institution fulfills its mission to make cultural heritage accessible while maintaining scholarly rigor.
Source: Diario de Mallorca coverage of Palma City of Cinemas
Images Credit: www.diariodemallorca.es