Element Pictures have announced that their new cinema in Galway, Pálás will open to the public this Friday, February 23rd. The much-anticipated cinema will bring an eclectic mix of the best new Irish and international films along with classics, foreign language, animated films, shorts, documentaries, special events & festivals to a great local cinema going audience in Galway.
All the films that will screen over the opening weekend are hotly tipped for Oscar wins including Lady Bird starring Saoirse Ronan, Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of the Water and I, Tonya with Margot Robbie in the lead role. The restaurant will also be serving up seasonal, colourful and hearty dishes throughout the opening weekend.
We are so thrilled to finally open the doors to Pálás this weekend. It has been a long road and we would not be at this point without the patience and support of all the funders led by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Galway City Council, the skill and care of our design team, led by Tom dePaor, and of our contractors JJ Rhatigans and their team of sub-contractors. Ed and I would like to acknowledge the passion, commitment and collaboration of Lelia Doolan and her colleagues in Solas who initiated this project and brought us in to operate and complete the construction phase. As with our sister cinema the Light House in Dublin, we fully believe Pálás will now be at the heart of the cultural life in the city and we look forward to getting to know our Galway audience and ensuring that a visit to Pálás is a unique experience.
Andrew Lowe, Director – Element Pictures
The cinema, designed by architect Tom de Paor, was initiated, and developed by Solas Galway Picture Palace Teoranta. Financial support for Pálás has been received from Galway City Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The Irish Film Board, An Comhairle Ealaíon/the Arts Council, The Western Development Commission, Element Pictures and film and business support from individuals and companies. Element has worked closely with the design team and the main contractor JJ Rhatigan to oversee the completion of works and to deliver a state-of-the-art contemporary arthouse cinema to Galway.
The cinema is equipped with the latest digital projectors but can also screen 35mm film, which is sure to please film aficionados in the city.
Tickets will be available to buy from tomorrow at 18.00 on www.palas.ie. For more information see Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
