Coliseum movie theatre building, Neoclassical movie theatre in Basmanny District, Moscow, Russia
The Coliseum movie theatre is a neoclassical building in Basmanny District with symmetrical facades and classical ornaments from the early cinema era. The structure preserves the typical features of Moscow's entertainment architecture from that period, with balanced proportions and carefully designed details.
Roman Klein designed the building in 1913 as Moscow expanded its entertainment facilities for the growing population. The construction occurred during a period when cinemas became important cultural meeting places in the city.
The building shows how Moscow designed its entertainment spaces in the early 1900s and what architectural features cinemas of that time required. The classical facade elements and the internal layout tell a story about the needs of early film exhibition spaces.
The building currently stands empty and is not open to visitors, but it is located near other local attractions in Basmanny District. You can view the exterior architecture from the street and get a sense of the style and details from that era.
The building earned designation as a tentative world heritage site, underscoring its importance for Russian cinema architecture. This recognition reflects how the structure mirrors a key moment in the architectural history of Russian film heritage.
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