The most beautiful cinema in Amsterdam
The Tuschinski theater in Amsterdam is most likely the most beautiful art-deco cinema in the world! It is definitely one of my favorite cinema’s in Amsterdam. Its construction was commissioned by Abraham Tuschinski, in the early 20th century, who put his heart and soul into this building. He was not interested in another ordinary theater but he wanted to build an astonishingly beautiful cinema that he rightfully referred to as a movie palace. He succeeded, in 1921, the Tuschinsky Theater opened its doors.
Art Nouveau and Jugendstil
Built in the dramatic Art Nouveau and Jugendstil style the Tuschinski Theater is quite impressive from the outside. But wait till you step inside the foyer. This is Art Deco at its best from the mural paintings, the dome (above you), the lights and even the carpet you are standing on. The foyer is open to the public so even if you just pass by, I’d say quickly go and peek inside.
In terms of architecture, the Tuschinski Theater is almost the complete opposite of the contemporary EYE Filmmuseum, our other favorite cinema in Amsterdam. Yet they have something in common. They both reflect what was perceived as an architectural masterpiece at the time and therefore they both offer an extraordinary movie experience.
Can you still watch movies at the Tuschinski Theater?
Absolutely and I highly recommend you watch a movie in here. The Tuschinski Theater is now part of the Pathé cinema chain and it shows mainly blockbusters. If you get a chance book a love seat; it is a bit more expensive but it is totally worth it! It comes with a drink and a snack (I took the prosecco). But before entering the auditorium, walk down the heavily decorated corridors around the main auditorium. And if you really wanna get the most out of your visit, go and take a look at the Art Deco bathrooms!
Good to know, most movies in the Netherlands are subtitled so the score is most of the time the original one.
If you want to see what movies are playing check out the website: https://en.pathe.nl/bioscoop/tuschinski
No time for movies? Take the audiotour!
Alternatively, if you are not a big movie fan or can’t fit a movie into your fun schedule, you can take an audiotour in the morning. It is a 45-minute tour that tells you about the history of the Tuschinsky theater including its founder and architecture. During the tour you can even enter the VIP room where Tom Cruise, Richard Gere and our own Dutch pride Carice van Houten had their champagne during the premieres of their movies. The audiotour is available in Dutch and English, costs EUR 10 and includes a coffee/tea.
About the author: Laura Danielle is a co-founder of Comedy Walks: stand-up comedy shows with the city as a stage, or, if you like, city tours with a professional stand-up comedian as a guide. We currently run Comedy Walks in Amsterdam and Washington DC. By far the most fun way to explore a city!
All information in the blog posts is based on personal experiences and commission free (“I rather drink coffee with inspiring entrepreneurs than compete with them for 20 cents commission for our customers’ coffee” — Laura Danielle).
