Hippodrome Cinema, Bo'ness, Historic cinema in Bo'ness, Scotland
The Hippodrome Cinema in Bo'ness is an early 1900s cinema with a circular main hall, a wrap-around gallery, and a proscenium arch. The small stage was originally built for live performances before the venue focused on showing films.
Architect Matthew Steele designed this cinema in 1912 for owner Louis Dickson. After serving as a cinema for decades, it was transformed into a bingo hall in 1975.
The building shows how people in Scotland shifted from temporary traveling shows to permanent cinema venues in the early 1900s. The layout reflects how audiences then arranged themselves to watch films together.
The venue sits near Bo'ness town center and is easy to spot from the street with its distinctive front. Visitors should note that the building may not always be open, as screenings happen less frequently and it sometimes hosts private events.
A 2006 restoration uncovered and preserved original details like cast iron radiators and art deco signage. This work returned the hall to its early 1900s appearance.
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