Hz | Gold painting is found at the Carlos Gomes Theater during renovation

Scheduled to be delivered in December 2025, the Carlos Gomes Theater has been undergoing intense renovation since July 2023. Closed for more than five years, the important cultural apparatus in the Center of Vitória revealed a surprise in recent weeks.

All because they were discovered gilding paintings in two locations in the theater: at the mouth of the proscenium – which refers to the front of the central stage – and also in some boxes. The information was revealed by the CEO of the Modus Vivendi Institute, responsible for the works, Erika Kunkel.

“In every project there are surprises. A restoration is not a common job and this time was no different. As soon as we discovered these paintings in gold gilding, we had to recalculate some things and do new research on the aesthetic part”, said Erika.

A gilding or gilding is a painting technique that uses a very thin layer of gold. Among other words, the metal is turned into gold leaf and then applied to a surface. According to professor of architectural history, Nelson Porto, Carlos Gomes was designed based on eclectic architecture – a time when this type of procedure was widely used.

“I was not surprised by this discovery. When you find a historic building with just one color, it may have other layers underneath. Regarding the gilding, there were already photographs showing that these paintings existed in the theater, but they were in black and white. Normally, when you paint, you don’t tear off what’s fixed, just what’s loose”, said Porto.

Still according to Nelson, there will be new studies on the discovery. Furthermore, after the theater works are completed, a transparent frame will be placed around the painting. The goal is for more people to have the opportunity to learn about the history of the place.

“We are going to expand our knowledge about the paintings and then we are not going to restore them to how they were in the past. Let’s leave these records for people to see and see how it was done in the past,” she highlighted.

HZ also contacted the Secretary of Culture of Espírito Santo, Fabricio Noronha, to seek further updates on the reform. According to him, the restoration is within the established schedule and 38% of the process is already completed.

“The project is going well. It is a work that involves specialized research, with a diverse team. In recent weeks, the scenic poles that support the scenery and stage lights were installed. Furthermore, 50% of the chandeliers were restored”, stated the secretary.

Noronha also said that air conditioning and sound infrastructure are being installed. Fire curtains were also installed inside the theater to ensure greater protection against fires.

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