Kinoteatr im. T. G. Shevchenka

Kinoteatr im. T. G. Shevchenka (Cinema named after T. G. Shevchenko) is the oldest cinema in Simferopol and Crimea. Its building is a monument of architecture and urban planning, listed in the register of cultural heritage sites (protection number 4621-AR) as a regional-level monument. The cinema is located in Simferopol, Crimea, and has operated under several names throughout its history. The exact founding date is debated. Sources cite 1904, 1910, 1915, and 1916. The most accepted version is that in 1904 entrepreneur Leonid Sukhomlinov opened the first cinema (illusione) in Crimea, which later became known as the "Bayan" cinema. The name "Bayan" honored Vadim Bayan (real name Vladimir Ivanovich Sidorov), an ego-futurist poet and patron. The 1915 date is a common misconception based on the year inscribed on the arch built by architect Nikolai Krasnov, which was actually constructed later. In 1917, the building hosted rallies and meetings of workers, as well as speeches by leaders of the Provisional Government, including Foreign Minister P. N. Milyukov and Agriculture Minister V. M. Chernov. In 1920, the Bayan cinema was renamed "Zvezda Revolyutsii" (Star of the Revolution), and in 1924 it became "Bolshevik". During the German occupation in World War II, it was called "Palast-Kino". Since 1954, following the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine, it has borne the name of Taras Shevchenko, and it continues to operate under that name today. In June 2015, Anatoly Zhilin, a deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, proposed returning the historic name "Bayan" to the Simferopol cinema. The cinema remains a cultural landmark and a functioning movie theater in Simferopol.

The history of Kinoteatr im. T. G. Shevchenka is deeply intertwined with the cultural and political history of Simferopol and Crimea. The exact founding date is uncertain, with sources citing 1904, 1910, 1915, and 1916. The most widely accepted account holds that in 1904, entrepreneur Leonid Sukhomlinov opened the first cinema (illusione) in Crimea, which later became known as the "Bayan" cinema. The name "Bayan" was chosen in honor of Vadim Bayan (real name Vladimir Ivanovich Sidorov), a poet-ego-futurist and patron of the arts. The 1915 date often cited is a misconception stemming from the year inscribed on the arch of the building, designed by the renowned architect Nikolai Krasnov, but the arch was actually built later. In 1917, the cinema building became a venue for political gatherings. It hosted rallies and meetings of workers, and speeches by leaders of the Provisional Government, including Foreign Minister P. N. Milyukov and Agriculture Minister V. M. Chernov. This period marked the cinema's role as a public assembly space during a time of revolutionary change. During the Soviet period, the cinema underwent several name changes. In 1920, it was renamed "Zvezda Revolyutsii" (Star of the Revolution), and in 1924, it became "Bolshevik". During World War II, under German occupation, it was called "Palast-Kino". In 1954, following the transfer of Crimea from the Russian SFSR to the Ukrainian SSR, the cinema was renamed in honor of Taras Shevchenko, the celebrated Ukrainian poet and artist. It has retained this name to the present day. In 1956, Alexander Samoylovich Rovinsky, a Soviet state security officer, served as the cinema's director. In June 2015, Anatoly Zhilin, a deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, proposed returning the historic name "Bayan" to the cinema. The building itself is recognized as an architectural and urban planning monument, listed in the register of cultural heritage sites with protection number 4621-AR as a regional-level monument. The cinema continues to operate as a movie theater in Simferopol.

• 2015

  Deputy Anatoly Zhilin proposes returning the historic name 'Bayan'.

• 1956

  Alexander Samoylovich Rovinsky serves as director.

• 1954

  Renamed in honor of Taras Shevchenko after Crimea's transfer to Ukraine.

• 1924

  Renamed 'Bolshevik'.

• 1920

  Renamed 'Zvezda Revolyutsii' (Star of the Revolution).

• 1917

  The cinema building hosts rallies and speeches by Provisional Government leaders.

• 1904

  Entrepreneur Leonid Sukhomlinov opens the first cinema in Crimea, later known as 'Bayan'.

Historic cultural landmark and operating cinema in Simferopol, Crimea.

• Cinema screenings

  Regular film screenings in a historic venue.

1. 1Wikidata entry for Kinoteatr im. T. G. Shevchenkawikidata.org
2. 2Russian Wikipedia article on the cinemaru.wikipedia.org