With the goal of helping the National Theater in San José purchase a fire detection and sprinkler system, Citibank Costa Rica, S.A., has financed a project to sell historical postcards to raise funds for the project.
The postcards, sold in boxed sets of 15, include photographs of renowned artists who performed at the theater, including ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, guitar player Andrés Segovia and opera singer Melico Salazar; antique programs; and portraits of the theater, which hosted its inaugural performance in 1897.
The building, with its lavish neobaroque interior, is renowned as one of the architectural gems of the country.
“The National Theater is an invaluable architectural work,” Jorge Mora, Citibank Costa Rica’s Country Officer, said in a statement from the bank. “We are pleased to be able to share with our clients and the community this tour of its beginnings, history and development.”
The postcard sets cost ¢2,000 ($4) and are available at the National Theater gift shop.Citibank also donated ¢2.5 million (approximately $5,000) to the Foundation for Improvements to the National Theater.
Citibank operates in Costa Rica as an exclusively corporate bank; it does not offer individual banking services.
