Le Colisée de Tunis – (Cohen-Tenoudji)

Opened in 1932, the Colisée of Tunis—also known as the Colisée Cohen–Tenoudji—is one of the oldest and most prestigious cinemas in Tunisia. Located on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, in the very center of the capital, it was built in the iconic Art Deco style of the French colonial period. Its monumental facade and refined architecture quickly made it a landmark of 1930s modern Tunis.

From the outset, the Colisée stood out for its exceptional capacity (over 1,500 seats at the time) and the quality of its programming. It became a major venue for Tunisian cultural life: concerts, European and Arab films, live shows, and intellectual gatherings all found a place on its stage. For decades, it earned the nickname “Queen of Theaters” due to its dominance on the cultural scene.

The Colisée is closely linked to the Cohen–Tenoudji family, a prominent Jewish Tunisian family known for their contribution to modernizing Tunisian urban and cultural life. Still operating today, the Colisée continues to play a central role, especially during key events like the Carthage Film Festival (JCC).