Cinema arrived in Vilnius almost immediately after a train “rolled” off the screen and into the audience of the first cinema screening in Paris.
As early as 1896, in the summer of 1896, film missionaries travelling from the West would bring a projector, several reels of short films and set up their programmes in summer pavilions. These were supplemented by concerts and illusionists. The first cinemas in Vilnius opened their doors in the early 20th century on two of the city’s main streets – Didžioji and Šv. Georgijaus Avenue (now Gedimino Avenue). Before the First World War, there were about 12 cinemas in Vilnius, during the First World War – 6, in interwar Vilnius – 12, and during the Soviet era – about 25. In total, there were 50 cinema venues before independence. After the restoration of freedom, many of the cinemas were privatised and changed their use.
While traveling along the route, you will get to know the history of the cinemas operating in Vilnius, you will find out what kind of films the people of Vilnius could see at that time.
What will you learn/see on this route?
- When did cinemas start operating in Vilnius?
- Which movie theater only showed documentaries and newsreels all day?
- Which movie theater was for children?
