Cinema "Cosmos" (Yekaterinburg) was built in Soviet times. From the very beginning, it was popular with viewers. And today its halls are not empty. What is the secret to such success?
How did the viewer's love for cinemas in Yekaterinburg begin?
Prerequisites for visiting cinemas originated in the 19th century. The first show took place in 1896. There was a cinematography session in the building of the city theater on an impromptu screen. Then the film show did not make a proper impression on the townspeople. But a year later, when the agents of the Lumiere Brothers organized several sessions in a row, the audience was subdued.
The first real cinema opened in Yekaterinburg in 1909. It was called “Laurent,” and was later renamed “Sovkino.” He began his work in the same building where the first films were shown to Yekaterinburg residents. And for the theater in 1912 a new building was built. Today, the Yekaterinburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is located there.
The development of cinemas in Soviet Yekaterinburg
By the twenties of the 20th century, movie theaters in the city began to be missed. Cinematographs began to open throughout the city in both central and sleeping areas. Among them are Temp, Proletarsky, Steel, and the Salyut cinema. Yekaterinburg gradually began to fill up with cultural and leisure institutions. The last in Soviet times in Yekaterinburg was opened the cinema "Cinema House". It was built two years before the start of perestroika on the street. Lunacharsky.
In Soviet times, there were movie theaters in every district. For example, in Koltsovo - “Aviator”, on Elmash - “Dawn”, etc. But the demand for watching films on the big screen was still not completely satisfied. Therefore, impromptu cinemas were created in the district houses of culture. Cinema was regularly shown in the city House of cultural workers.
In 1967, the Cosmos cinema was opened. Yekaterinburg has not yet seen such a large hall. It simultaneously housed nearly 2,000 people. Quite quickly, Cosmos acquired the status of the main cinema of the city. The entrance ticket here was more expensive compared to other Yekaterinburg cinemas.
Multifunctionality of the Cosmos
December 25, 1967 in the "Cosmos" was the first premiere. This day is officially considered the birthday of the largest cinema in Yekaterinburg. Then they showed the film "Iron Stream" based on the novel by A. Serafimovich, directed by Yefim Dzigan. Since that time, a wonderful tradition has appeared in Cosmos - to organize premiere screenings of films with the participation of their famous creators.
Cinema "Cosmos" (Yekaterinburg) took over the conduct of both domestic and international festivals. And that became his calling card. Also, "Cosmos" almost from the very beginning began to work as a concert hall in Yekaterinburg. Today, probably, there is no artist left who would not cross the threshold of the stage of the famous cinema.
Such multifunctionality of the Cosmos cinema was originally planned. The goal was to build a building, which, in addition to its main function, would be used as a palace of congresses. Therefore, various exhibitions, holidays, conferences, symposia are often held here.
Reconstruction of the cinema "Cosmos"
In October 1999, the Cosmos Cinema (Yekaterinburg) was closed for four whole years. A large-scale reconstruction was carried out in accordance with fire safety requirements. After the work, the number of seats in the cinema decreased, but podiums for people in wheelchairs were equipped.
The hallmarks of this cinema have always been comfort and respectability. After reconstruction, the appearance has become more airy. This was realized through the use of light composite panels and tinted dark stained-glass windows.
At the entrance to the cinema, six columns are crowned with gold letters. And inside - granite floors and steps, sparkling railings, marble columns. This kind of foyer delights visitors to the Cosmos. Also, the cinema was equipped with the latest sound reproducing equipment. This allows you to hold concerts at the highest level.
Upholstered chairs made using Spanish technology, a curtain made of high-quality Belgian fabric, studded with rhinestones, the atmosphere itself, the refreshed Cosmos buffet loved by many and the bar on the third floor that appeared after the reconstruction make it possible to enjoy the event even more and force the audience to return to the theater again and again. Cinema "Cosmos".
Cosmos rivals today
Today, 20 cinemas operate in Yekaterinburg. Eight of them have recently been built as part of shopping and entertainment complexes such as Park House and Fan Fan. Has a shopping center "Megapolis" cinema. Yekaterinburg, it seems, has already been fed up with various venues for watching films.
But despite many different cinemas, Cosmos has no competitors in terms of the number of seats in one hall. Many cinemas in Yekaterinburg boast a large number of halls (up to 8). But each such hall can accommodate no more than 1000 people. Therefore, "Cosmos" is always in demand among artists and is loved by the audience.