Pathé Tuschinski, Amsterdam
Whilst
our Amsterdam self-catering holiday apartments are designed with your comfort
in mind and usually fitted with televisions and wireless internet, don’t forget
to check out Amsterdam’s many entertainment options close by. Our favourite
haunt has to be the city’s spectacular
Pathé Tuschinski
Cinema.
If you are wandering around the
Muntplein, Amstel or Flower Market areas of Amsterdam you
are sure to notice its tall and imposing, almost reptilian, Art Deco towers. It
dates back to 1921 and incorporates an astounding mix of architectural styles
from the period which combine perfectly to create a truly breath-taking
structure and interior.
Most people new to the city can’t stop themselves from
popping in for a peek at the astounding and opulent cinema foyer. From the incredible
swirling carpet, wall murals, stunning Art Nouveau up-lights to the mesmerising
ceiling that undulates from green to red – a visit here really is quite visually
overwhelming.
Venture further into the back of the cinema to discover
beautiful dark wood panelled corridors with chic flowing chinoiserie
furnishings so typical of the 1920s. The old school ambience here is
reminiscent of the Orient Express, indeed one could easily imagine an Agatha
Christie story unfolding here. Certainly Hercule Poirrot and his perfectly
coiffured moustache would not look out of place.
Swing open the doors into the Grote Zaal (Grand Hall) and
feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you behold what is
considered by many to be the most beautiful cinema in the world. Two tiers of
seating meet at either side of an elegant proscenium arch whilst the ceiling
boasts an organic swirl around four Art Deco drop chandeliers. The raked stalls
pull you forwards towards the stage and you feel yourself being transported
back in time to the golden age of cinema.
As you can imagine, a visit here to see a film in the Grand
Hall comes high on the ‘to do’ lists of many visitors to Amsterdam. You might
not normally think of going to the cinema whilst on your holidays but we would
recommend you make a special exception for this unique and fascinating picture
house. Amazingly the cost of seeing a film in the luxurious main auditorium is
only one euro more than shows in the smaller modern screens more recently added
at the rear of the building. Experience the luxury seats in the upper two tiers
for a special treat by paying a few extra euros and you can choose some
delicious food options to take in with you.
The cinema possesses a special place in the heart of the Dutch.
It has been host to not only the country’s epic star-studded premieres but also
plenty of live performances too. It miraculously survived the Second World War
with few physical scars apart from a humiliating temporary name change at Nazi
orders. Following a major restoration from 1998 -2000 it remains in full fettle,
ready to serve thousands more cinema goers who flock here to see films the way
they were always meant to be presented – upon a huge screen with an audience of
up to 1200.
Screenings.
The Tuschinski Gran Zaal generally presents films with the
largest appeal at the time of release so you will find mainly the week’s
biggest blockbusters. All the country’s major premieres are held here and you are
likely to notice a red carpet outside occasionally. If you are very lucky you
might spot some international celebrities. The cinema plays a major part in the
city’s regular European film festivals. Occasionally there are also selective
screenings of opera and ballet performances. Sunday matinee screenings of
classic old films remain particularly popular. Be sure to check the cinema’s
website to see what is playing during your visit in town.
The Stage at Tuschinski
The Tuschinski has always operated as a live performance stage as well
as a cinema. World famous musicians and singers including Marlene Dietrich,
Edith Piaf, Judy Garland, Maurice Chavalier, Dizzy Gillespie and Fats Domino
have all graced this most beautiful stage. In the 1930s a classic Wurlitzer
organ was installed and the theatre/cinema had its own resident 16-piece
orchestra. Traditionally the organ would be played before each cinematic
presentation until 1974. The orchestra was also retired a few years earlier in
1969.
History and Design
The Tuschinski Cinema takes its name from its original
commissioner Abraham Icek Tuschinski, a Jewish self-taught tailor who arrived
in Rotterdam from his home in Poland at the beginning of the 20th
century. He set up several cinemas in the city before moving to Amsterdam with
two of his brothers in law who assisted him in the creation of his beautiful vision,
the cinema we see today. Tuschinski insisted on using the best people with the
best materials available and incorporating the best ideas. His determination
certainly appears to have paid off.
Tuschinski
chose Hijman Louis de Jong who injecteddesign
aesthetics from the Amsterdam School , Jugendstijl , Art Nouveau and Art Deco
into the
construction of the impressive exterior of the building. The dominant layered
tiles and organic forms are strangely reminiscent of the work of artist Kurt
Geiger or the gothic architecture featured in batman comics. Meanwhile the
interior design was awarded to
Pieter
den Besten and Jaap Gidding who created a more sombrely lit foyer and corridor
area before providing a true touch of drama and opulence for the grand Hall.
Soon
after Tuschinski’s death in 1942 during the terrible occupation of the
Netherlands, the Nazi’s forced the cinema to change its name to the ‘Tivoli’ –
a less Jewish and more Germanic name. The name was eventually triumphantly
restored following the liberation of the Netherlands. However only a handful of the 80,000 Jewish
people deported from Amsterdam to the death camps of Poland during this time
would ever return home.
The
cinema is considered a protected historical monument today. There is a tour in
English provided once daily. Contact the cinema for specific details and to
book a place.
Address:
Reguliersbreestraat 26-34
www.tuschinski.nl
