Weltspiegel Kino

Weltspiegel Kino (also known as Filmtheater Weltspiegel) is a historic cinema located in Cottbus, Brandenburg, Germany. It is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in Germany and the oldest in Brandenburg, having opened on 4 October 1911. The building, designed by architect Paul Thiel and constructed under the direction of Schmidt & Arnold, is a protected monument (Einzeldenkmal) and retains many original architectural features, including a Jugendstil staircase, a stucco facade with decorative elements, and a hall with a gilded coffered ceiling. Originally seating 800, the auditorium was later reduced to 514 seats. The cinema has survived numerous renovations and changes in ownership, and since November 2006 it has operated as an arthouse cinema, also hosting cabaret and music events. It occupies a niche between modern multiplexes and municipal cinemas in the region. The building underwent extensive renovation and expansion starting in 2010 to preserve its heritage while adding multifunctional spaces. Today, Weltspiegel Kino continues to screen a mix of current films, documentaries, and cultural events, including live broadcasts such as the Berlin Philharmonic's New Year's Concert, and it remains a cherished cultural venue in Cottbus.

The history of Weltspiegel Kino begins in the early 20th century. The first permanent cinema space in Cottbus was established in 1907 at Neumarkt 5. In 1908, the owner of the Hotel 'Weißes Roß' planned a dedicated cinema building with 268 seats, but the project was not realized. In October 1910, Carl Lindemann from Tegel submitted plans to convert a warehouse at Kaiserstraße 79 into a cinema, but the city magistrate rejected his application. The Cottbus businessman Paul Schneider, owner of the properties at Kaiserstraße 78/79, founded the 'Photographische Gesellschaft Weltspiegel m.b.H.' in 1907, which in early 1911 became the 'Lichtspiel-Gesellschaft Weltspiegel m.b.H.' For this company, the Cottbus architect Paul Thiel designed a cinema building at Kaiserstraße 78 at the end of 1910. Construction began in May 1911 under the direction of the Cottbus architectural firm Schmidt & Arnold, with masonry work by Moritz Hausten. The official building permit was granted only on 25 September 1911, shortly before completion. The opening performance took place on Wednesday, 4 October 1911, with a hall originally seating 600 in the parquet and 180 in the balcony, plus boxes. Over the decades, the building underwent numerous changes. A second staircase was added to the west side shortly after opening due to new building regulations. In the 1920s, the Weltspiegel successfully competed against other Cottbus cinemas. The first sound film screening in Cottbus took place on 29 May 1929 at the 'U.T. Weltspiegel'. In 1949, the facade was repaired and simplified after minor war damage. Between 1952 and 1956, interior renovations and conversions were carried out. In 1956, the Weltspiegel was among the first German cinemas to convert its stage for anamorphic widescreen projection. Further changes and repairs were made in 1977 and 1990. After several changes of operator, the cinema reopened in November 2006, focusing on arthouse films, cabaret, and music events. To preserve the building as a monument and cultural site, a comprehensive renovation and expansion began in March 2010, including a new building extension while restoring the facade, entrance area, Jugendstil staircase, and hall to approach the original state. The cinema continues to operate today, screening a mix of current films, documentaries, and live cultural broadcasts.

• 2010

  Comprehensive renovation and expansion begins in March, including a new building extension while restoring historic elements.

• 2006

  Cinema reopens in November after several operator changes, focusing on arthouse films and cultural events.

• 1990

  Additional changes and repairs carried out.

• 1977

  Further changes and repairs carried out.

• 1956

  Weltspiegel among the first German cinemas to convert stage for anamorphic widescreen projection.

• 1952

  Interior renovation and conversion works begin, lasting until 1956.

• 1949

  Facade repaired and simplified after minor war damage.

• 1929

  First sound film screening in Cottbus takes place at the U.T. Weltspiegel on 29 May.

• 1911

  Construction of the Weltspiegel cinema building begins in May; opening performance on 4 October with 600 parquet and 180 balcony seats.

• 1907

  First permanent cinema space in Cottbus established at Neumarkt 5; Paul Schneider founds Photographische Gesellschaft Weltspiegel m.b.H.

Arthouse cinema and cultural venue in a heritage-listed building, offering a niche alternative to multiplexes and municipal cinemas.

• Arthouse film screenings

• Documentary screenings

• Cabaret performances

• Live cultural broadcasts (e.g., Berlin Philharmonic New Year's Concert)

• Film talks and discussions

1. 1Startseite – Weltspiegel Cottbusweltspiegel-cottbus.de
2. 2Geschichte – Weltspiegel Cottbusweltspiegel-cottbus.de
3. 3Weltspiegel Kino - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Filmtheater Weltspiegel - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org