Some places become part of a city’s memory far beyond their architecture. Places that span generations, accompany change and remain connected to the stories of those who passed through them. On Rua dos Condes, in the heart of Lisbon, the former Olympia is one such place.
Opened in 1911, Olympia was born in a Lisbon undergoing transformation and quickly established itself as a meeting place for culture and entertainment. Cinema, performances, concerts and social gatherings were all part of the life of this iconic venue, which accompanied different generations of Lisbon residents and witnessed profound social, cultural and political changes over more than a century.
Today, 115 years later, the story continues at the same address, number 17 Rua dos Condes. The former entertainment venue has become the Olympia Lis Baixa Hotel, but the essence of the place remains: a desire to bring people together, celebrate culture and create memorable experiences.
A tribute to the glamour of another era
Olympia Lis Baixa Hotel was created as a tribute to the history and spirit of the place, drawing on references from an era marked by glamour, sophistication and Lisbon’s cultural vibrancy.
The world of cinema and the arts is present throughout different aspects of the experience. In the décor, graphic elements, imagery and distinctive geometric flooring, as well as in the red and gold palette of Bistrô Olympia, various references establish a subtle dialogue between past and present.
Upon entering, this sense of history meets contemporary creativity through a work by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, integrated into a space shared by the hotel and restaurant. Her presence reflects the way Olympia seeks to approach its legacy: not as a museum piece, but as a story that continues to evolve.
The atmosphere evokes a time when going out at night meant dressing for the occasion, meeting friends, attending a show and lingering a little longer. A time of elegance and encounters, whose essence remains relevant today.
When the curtain rises on gastronomy and music
If images and art tell part of the story, gastronomy and live music now help carry it forward. Located within the hotel, yet open to the city, Bistrô Olympia revives the venue’s original vocation as a meeting place. At the table, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine accompanies an experience where gastronomy meets culture, conversation and music.
At different times, the space hosts live fado and jazz, bringing back to Olympia the sounds of a venue that, throughout its history, welcomed artists and witnessed significant cultural moments. Today, the curtains no longer rise to signal the start of a cinema screening. But the show goes on.
In the dining room, musicians share the same space as guests, bringing artists and audience closer together and creating a relaxed, elegant and distinctly Lisbon atmosphere. The experience is no longer simply about watching: it is about being present, talking, listening, tasting and becoming part of the moment.
A meeting place, yesterday and today
Times may have changed, but one vocation remains the same: making Olympia a place for encounters, culture and experiences. Between the memory of a performance venue that left its mark on the city and the new life of a hotel that carries this legacy forward, Olympia Lis Baixa Hotel seeks to preserve what made this address special: its ability to bring people together through art, gastronomy, music and the celebration of life. From 1911 to 2026, 115 years of a story that remains part of Lisbon. And on Rua dos Condes, Olympia continues to invite the city in.
INFO: hotellisolympia.com