Arts Cinema, Movie theater in Arbat Square, Moscow, Russia
Arts Cinema is a movie theater in a classical building designed by architect Nikolai Blagoveshchensky with four screens accommodating between 21 and 474 seats. The venue includes modern amenities such as a snack bar, reading room, and baby changing station, though wheelchair accessibility remains limited throughout the building.
The building opened on November 10, 1909, making it one of the earliest cinema venues in Moscow. It served as the premiere location for Battleship Potemkin in 1926, establishing it as a landmark in Soviet cinema history.
The cinema focuses on screening independent and international films in their original languages with Russian subtitles, playing an important role in bringing global cinema to Moscow audiences. This programming approach shapes the experience for visitors seeking films beyond mainstream releases.
The location is easily accessible on foot from central Moscow near Arbat Square and positioned at a corner of the building that is straightforward to identify. Visitors should be aware that stairs between floors are steep and the building offers limited space for mobility assistance.
Leo Tolstoy visited the cinema during its opening year, connecting Russian literature with the emerging art form of cinema. This encounter marked a moment when two cultural eras met within the same space.
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