Teatro Kursaal
| Casinò Lugano | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Lugano, Switzerland |
| Address |
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| Opening date | 29 November 2002 |
| Notable restaurants | Elementi Ristorante |
| Casino type | Land |
| Architect | Achille Sfondrini |
| Previous names | Teatro Kursaal (1804–2002) |
| Coordinates | 46°0′0″N 08°57′0″E / 46.00000°N 8.95000°E |
| Website | www |
Casinò Lugano (formerly known as Teatro Kursaal) is a casino and theatre designed by Italian architect Achille Sfondrini in 1804. It is located in the city of Lugano, Switzerland. A restaurant and café called Elementi Ristorante is located within the building. The theatre was the host venue of the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956.
Designed by the Italian architect Achille Sfondrini in 1804, Teatro Kursaal was the first games room with a café to open in Lugano. Biriba, Basset, and dice games were played in the establishment during the autumn fair. Upon the establishment of the Lugano Theatre Society in 1885, which consisted of 177 shareholders, discussions were held to modify the building for the intended purpose of theatrical and musical performances, ballroom dance and other shows. Plans were made to accommodate a café and restaurant adjacent to the main theatre.
In 1912, the theatre acquired a gambling license.The society changed its name to Società del Teatro e Casinò Kursaal di Lugano in 1922. The Kursaal continued to increase its revenue after the Great Depression.
In 1946 the Kursaal broke its own financial record, accumulating 641,777 Swiss francs (equivalent of €521,899.91, US$707,469.04 or £441,643.70 as of October 2013[update]) after staging operas, plays, concerts and films.
On 24 May 1956, Kursaal was the host venue of the very first Eurovision Song Contest.
The gambling stakes for playing were raised, from 2 Swiss Francs to 5 Swiss Francs, after a shareholders' vote in 1959.
The city of Lugano became the major shareholder in 1970 after its purchase of 184 shares. Following the ordinance of the Swiss Federal banking commission changes, fruit machines and boules were brought into the Kursaal.
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