Ciné Variétés

Ciné Variétés (also known as Cinéma Les Variétés) is a single-screen neighborhood cinema located in Waremme, Belgium. It is one of the last remaining mono-screen cinemas in its region, operated by a dedicated team of volunteers under the non-profit association a.s.b.l. Cinéma Les Variétés. The cinema traces its origins to the early 20th century, with film screenings documented in Waremme as early as 1917. Originally named Cinéma de la Bravoure, the venue was quickly renamed Cinéma des Variétés. In 1933, Julien Lombard, a beer merchant from Liège, purchased the building and constructed the current auditorium in 1935. Over the decades, the cinema underwent several ownership changes and renovations, including the addition of a stage in 1947 and adaptation for cinemascope in 1955. Since 1960, it has been managed by the non-profit association Entr'aide et Loisirs, which entrusted its operation to a.s.b.l. Cinéma Les Variétés. Today, the cinema offers a diverse program of current films, original-language screenings, and school sessions, with a flat ticket price of €7 for all screenings. It accepts cash and Payconiq payments and offers gift cheques and a loyalty card. The cinema is part of a network and collaborates with partners such as Prov Culture, FWB, and RACC. Despite the decline of small cinemas, Ciné Variétés has thrived thanks to its volunteer team and community support.

The history of cinema in Waremme dates back to at least 1917, as evidenced by a poster held by the local history circle. At that time, screenings were held in a hall adjacent to a café owned by Englebert Dainef at Porte de Liège. Initially operated under the name Cinéma de la Bravoure, the venue was soon renamed Cinéma des Variétés. On 22 March 1933, Julien Lombard, a beer merchant from Liège, purchased the building and in 1935 constructed the current auditorium on the site of the former hall. At that time, the cinema had 450 seats, AEG 35 mm projectors, and Klangfilm Tobis sound equipment. On 22 November 1943, Julien Lombard sold the property to Jean-Pierre Humblet, a cinema operator from Herstal. Humblet built a stage in 1947 for theatrical performances and installed new Fibrocit seats, increasing capacity to 600. In 1955, the screen dimensions were adapted for cinemascope projections, and the projection booth was equipped with Bauer B12 projectors. On 9 June 1960, the widow of Jean-Pierre Humblet sold the cinema to the non-profit association Entr'aide et Loisirs, which entrusted its operation to the a.s.b.l. Cinéma Les Variétés. In 1960, the Waremme district still had many cinemas, but over time, multiplexes multiplied and small cinemas declined. Les Variétés in Waremme is the last remaining single-screen neighborhood cinema in the region. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, it has taken on a new lease of life and a new dimension. Today, the cinema continues to operate as a non-profit association, offering a varied program and community services.

• 1960

  On 9 June, the cinema is sold to a.s.b.l. Entr'aide et Loisirs, which entrusts operation to a.s.b.l. Cinéma Les Variétés.

• 1955

  Screen adapted for cinemascope; projection booth equipped with Bauer B12 projectors.

• 1947

  A stage is built for theatrical performances; new Fibrocit seats increase capacity to 600.

• 1943

  Julien Lombard sells the property to Jean-Pierre Humblet on 22 November.

• 1935

  Construction of the current auditorium with 450 seats, AEG 35 mm projectors, and Klangfilm Tobis sound.

• 1933

  Julien Lombard purchases the building on 22 March.

• 1917

  Earliest documented film screenings in Waremme, held in a hall adjacent to Englebert Dainef's café.

A community-focused, volunteer-run neighborhood cinema offering affordable access to films in a historic single-screen venue.

• Film screenings

  Regular screenings of current films, with a flat price of €7.

• Original-language screenings (VO)

  Selection of films in original version with French/Dutch subtitles as part of 'Jeudis du Cinéma'.

• School sessions

  Sessions organized for schools throughout the year.

• Gift cheques

  Cinema cheque (€7) and bar cheque (€5) available at the reception.

• Loyalty card

  Receive a stamp per visit; after 12 visits, the next screening is free.

1. 1Cinéma Les Variétés - Tous les films dans votre cinéma de Waremmelesvarietes.be
2. 2Cinéma Les Variétés - Votre cinémalesvarietes.be
3. 3Cinéma Les Variétés - Nos serviceslesvarietes.be
4. 4Cinéma Les Variétés - Réseau et partenaireslesvarietes.be
5. 5Ciné Variétés - Wikidatawikidata.org