Leicester Athena

Athena, formerly an Odeon Cinema, is a conferencing and banqueting venue in the cultural quarter of Leicester City Centre, England.

Leicester Athena in April 2010

History

The landmark building was originally designed in 1936 in the Streamline Moderne style by Robert Arthur Bullivant as an Odeon Cinema.[1][2]

When it was first opened, the Odeon was one of the most extravagant and largest buildings in the region, seating 2,182.[2] The terracotta panels, which feature mermaids, were hand-moulded by William Neatby at the Lambeth premises of Doulton and Co.

The interior was subdivided in 1974, into three small cinemas, and closed in 1997.[1][2] The building was later converted as a venue for corporate and social events.

Athena has been open since 2005, retaining much of the original decor. It has been hosts to artists including Olly Murs, Roy 'Chubby' Brown and Jim Davidson.

The building has been Grade II listed since August 1997, giving it protection from unauthorised modification or demolition.[2]

References
  1. Ruddy, Austin J (13 July 2017). "Leicester's Odeon building still makes a big impression". Leicester Mercury. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  2. Historic England. "THE ODEON THEATRE, City of Leicester (1245137)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 February 2018.

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