Carreira. In 2012, it was reclassified as National Monument.
Currently, on the fourth floor, there is a multipurpose space of culture and leisure.
The Teatro Nacional São João can be visited every Saturday, at 12:00 p.m., by means of prior reservation until 6:00 p.m. of the previous Friday, through rp@tnsj.pt.
Straight ahead, at no. 137, another icon of Modernism, the Coliseu do Porto picture 52, a project of Cassiano Branco (1897-1970), Júlio de Brito (1896-1965) and Mário de Abreu, from 1941. A work by the architect Cassiano Branco, but with the intervention of other architects, mainly of Mário Abreu, the Coliseu is considered an emblematic work of the Portuguese modernism’s first generation. Known mainly as a theatre, the Coliseu was also used as a cinema room and for other cultural events, along with spaces for offices. The inside of the room and the elevation, where a tower of 42 metres stands out, give the work an expressionist shape that emphasizes the spectacular sense of architecture, making every sense, given that this is a building intended to show business. The use of rich and luxurious materials as marbles, stucco, copper and forged iron denote influences of Art Deco in Cassiano Branco and grant magnificence to the environment.
Now go a little further back, again towards Rua Passos Manuel and, at the crossroad, turn right. There, face-to-face, are two icons of Modernism in Porto: the Coliseu do Porto and Garagem Passos Manuel. At no. 178, you can find the Garagem Passos Manuel picture 51, a project by the Architect Mário de Abreu, from 1930. The lower floors are meant for parking, with a floor for offices above organized around patios, and finally a floor for housing. It also included the commercial premises destined to a sales stand, barber shop, café and a shoeshine stand. It is important to refer the use of neon as innovative decorative element, in this case in the shape of the map of Portugal, set on a glass surface.
Unfortunately, the integral project would not be concluded due to the withdrawal of the architect for having issues with the contractor. The Coliseu do Porto still houses the space Cinema Passos Manuel, now with versatile functions. Going down Rua Passos Manuel to the crossroad with Rua Santa Catarina, you will find on the right side the famous Café Majestic picture 53, project by the Architect João Queirós. Inaugurated in 1921 under the name Café Elite, it would take the name that still identifies it today in 1922. It was frequented by the city’s elite and was the meeting place of traders, artists, men of letters and ladies of the society. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the café was decaying, until it was decreed public interest monument and cultural heritage in 1983, the year when it was acquired by the current owner, who proceeded with its strict restoration, giving it back the enchantment from other times.