Grand Cinema, Art Deco movie theater in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Grand Cinema is an Art Deco building on West Nanjing Road with six screening rooms and Italian marble walls throughout its interior. The design includes wrought iron railings and elegant public signage that give character to the entire space.
The building was designed in 1933 by architect László Hudec and quickly became a preferred gathering place for Shanghai's wealthy residents. Its creation marked a moment when Shanghai was developing into a modern entertainment center.
The cinema became a gathering place where Shanghai's residents experienced international films and different storytelling traditions. The grandeur of the space reflects how important cinema was as a shared cultural moment for the city.
The main screening room has about 1,500 seats across two levels and provides a spacious feeling while watching films. The ground floor features a gallery area with photographs and objects from the theater's long history.
The building has an interesting structural feature combining reinforced concrete with Art Deco elements like sail-shaped glass panels. These panels and a large illuminated name box become striking at night and draw attention from the street.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
