The historic Yelmo Comedia cinema, located on Barcelona’s central Passeig de Gràcia, will close next Sunday, January 14, as sources from the exhibition company have confirmed to La Vanguardia. The news of the closure had previously spread on the social network account X Sala Abierta, which collected sources from the workers and in another tweet they attached images of the empty rooms and assured that some employees were already saying goodbye.
“After several years in which we have shared great stories of the seventh art, the contract signed by Cine Yelmo for the management of these theaters has come to an end. We thank our audience for their support throughout this time and we emphasize our commitment to offering a differential leisure alternative,” say company sources in a statement issued to this newspaper in which they recall that Barcelona residents can continue enjoying the Cine Yelmo experience in the 5 cinemas located in the metropolitan area: Cine Yelmo Abrera, Cine Yelmo Baricentro , Cine Yelmo Premium Sant Cugat, Cine Yelmo Premium Castelldefels and the recent opening of Cine Yelmo Westfield La Maquinista.
A few weeks ago alarm bells went off, when some rumors suggested that the cinema would close on December 31 to sell or rent the premises to a multinational clothing company. At the moment the future of the property is unknown. However, sources from the ownership of the building located at number 13 Passeig de Gràcia confirm that it is working on “identifying and studying options for different groups interested in operating this space and will opt for the operator that offers a higher value activity.” added to the city and that offers a long-term commitment to the exploitation of space.
The Yelmo Cines had been operating the Comedia cinema, which was at risk of eviction, since 2017 with the aim of “continuing to offer the best cinema and film offering to the entire city of Barcelona”. It is a historic five-screen multiplex that began life in the 1960s when it was just one room. The Sala Abierta account points out that, despite the purchase of Yelmo seven years ago, the cinema had suffered a gradual deterioration of its facilities after the pandemic.
Among the films that can be seen at the establishment until Sunday are Wonka, Those Who Stay, Napoleon and Eight Moroccan Surnames.
