In this edition of the “Sacred Houses Series,” we pay homage to the Puskin Cinema in Budapest, Hungry, as we continue to honor notable movie theaters worldwide.
The Puskin Cinema, located at Kossuth Lajos Street 18 in Budapest, Hungary, boasts a rich history that mirrors the city’s cultural evolution. Designed by architect Győző Czigler, the building was completed in 1895 and initially housed the Magyar Világ Kávéház (Hungarian World Coffeehouse). Following World War I, the space was repurposed as the Mezőgazdasági Hitelintézet bank.
In 1926, the establishment underwent a significant transformation into the Fórum Cinema. Film distributor Jenő Deák spearheaded this conversion, and architects Béla Jánszky and Tibor Szivessy led the redesign.
The Fórum Cinema quickly became known. On September 30, 1929, it screened the nation’s first sound film, “The Singing Fool,” starring Al Jolson.
The aftermath of World War II brought changes to the cinema’s ownership and identity. Post-war, it came under the jurisdiction of the Fővárosi Tanács (Metropolitan Council) and was renamed Puskin Cinema, a tribute to the esteemed Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.
In 1988, the cinema underwent a technical renovation to modernize its facilities. A decade later, in 1998, a more extensive refurbishment took place, expanding the venue from a single 623-seat auditorium to three screening rooms: Metropolis, Amarcord, and Körhinta. This expansion was achieved by repurposing former office spaces and lobbies. Further enhancements in subsequent years introduced two additional halls, Mephisto and Annie Hall, bringing the total to five screening rooms.
The Puskin Cinema’s architectural elegance has garnered international acclaim. In 2021, Time Out magazine recognized it as one of the world’s 50 most beautiful cinemas, highlighting its blend of historical charm and cinematic significance. Check them out HERE.
If you know of a theater that deserves recognition in our “Sacred Houses” series, please contact us and provide details about its location, name, and significance to you or your community. We are passionate about supporting local theaters and believe they should be celebrated alongside the more well-known historic venues.
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