Kinoteatr Khudozhestvenny, Movie theater in Arbat District, Moscow, Russia
Kinoteatr Khudozhestvenny is a movie theater and protected architectural landmark in the Arbat District of Moscow, combining Greek Revival and Art Nouveau elements. The white facade displays columns and ornamental details that reflect both styles, while the interior is divided into four screening halls.
The building opened in 1909 and underwent its first major renovation three years later by Fyodor Schechtel, who expanded the auditorium to hold up to 900 people. After 1917 it became a venue for Soviet film premieres, including early sound productions and works by well-known directors.
The theater's name comes from the Russian word for art film, reflecting a program that has favored serious productions for decades. Visitors today find a mix of international auteur cinema and restored classics that draw an audience looking beyond mainstream releases.
The cinema sits at Arbatskaya Square 14 and is easily reached via the metro station of the same name. The four halls show current releases and retrospectives throughout the year, with evening screenings often drawing larger crowds.
The 2021 renovation brought back the original facade inscriptions and bas-reliefs of Greek deities that had been covered for decades. At the same time, the interior received a contemporary Art Deco treatment that blends comfort with respect for the past.
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