Amsterdam celebrates “the most beautiful cinema in the world “

Surviving wars and neglect, the Tuschinski continues to astonish visitors

One of Europe’s most incredible cinemas has received a new award. Last Thursday, Amsterdam’s iconic Royal Theatre Tuschinski was officially recognised as a Treasure of European Film Culture.

The venue has already been named the most beautiful cinema in the world in 2021. Now it has been honoured for its historical and cultural significance in European cinema — marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on its facade.

The theatre was originally  founded by Abraham Icek Tuschinski, together with his brothers-in-law Hermann Gerschtanowitz and Hermann Ehrlich. Tuschinski already operated four theatres in Rotterdam and wanted to open a showcase theatre in Amsterdam. When it opened in 1921, the Dutch newspaper Het Vaderland wrote: "We declare before us generously that the wildest expectations have been exceeded and that Mr. Tuschinski has donated a theatre to our country which is unparalleled”.

Back to its original splendour

The theatre was built in a flamboyant Art Deco, Jugendstil and the Amsterdams School styles. It survived the war, although the men behind it were murdered by the Nazis in 1942. After being expropriated by a German company, it changed hands several times before reverting to the original family and then being acquired by Pathé. It has undergone a series of major renovations over the years to bring it back to its original splendour.

Organised by the European Film Academy, the recent event brought together Jacques Hoendervangers, the General Director of Pathé Netherlands, Academy member Doreen Boonekamp, and many other distinguished guests.

(Michael Leahy. Photo: (c) Vinicius A. Nascimento / Pexels)