Kino Vesmír Cinema

Welcome to Trutnov, a city with a rich history, where today we will stop at one of its very interesting places. You're standing in front of the Space Cinema. Take a deep breath and feel the atmosphere of Václav Havel's waterfront, where this building is held as a silent witness to the perplexing decades. Look at the overall shape of the building. In front of you stands an object that carries peace and balance typical of classical style. It's a place where history meets modern social life, and right now you have the opportunity to uncover the stories that are hidden in these walls.

Now let's go back almost 100 years in time. Imagine the end of the twentieth decade of the last century, the era of great optimism and the flowering of cinema. The construction of this building began in 1928. It was a time when cinema stopped being just news and became the main entertainment center for the general public. The building was completed in 1929 and opened its doors for the first spectators on the first March of the same year. The project was lit by architect Richard Brosche, who inserted his experience and vision into the building. The aim was to create a space that would not only be functional for film screening, but would also represent the dignity and aesthetics of the city.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself. As I mentioned before, this is a classic building. Note the overall layout of the facade and perceive the harmony of its lines. Classicism has always tried to return to the principles of ancient, order and balance, which you can feel when you look at this building. Look at the surface of the facade and see how the building is inscribed in the surrounding landscape of the waterfront. If you look at the windows, you will see the result of the modifications from the years two thousand six and two thousand seven, when an important change of frames and glass was made to make the building better resistant to time and at the same time look elegant. It's fascinating to think how many generations of people have walked through this door to forget for a moment in the darkness of the hall and to be carried away by stories on a white screen.

But Kino Vesmír has not only undergone aesthetic changes, but also political and social breakthroughs that are reflected in its names. This is one of the most fascinating parts of his history. Originally, at the time of its creation, the building had a German name, which in the translation meant a city light theatre. It was the mirror of the then composition of the population and culture. But after World War II, times changed and a new era came with them. In the spirit of the political system at that time, the name was changed to Stalin's cinema. It was a period when the names of prominent figures of the then power appeared on many public buildings. But time passes and ideology changes. Later, the building was called the Universe, which carried a much more universal and promising meaning, referring to endless spaces above our heads and the human desire for knowledge.

This building is so valuable that since the year one thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven it has been protected as a cultural monument. That means the state has recognised its irreplaceable value for our national heir. But to survive, the memory must be maintained. Kino Vesmír has passed several waves of recovery. The first extensive reconstruction took place in the mid-1970s, namely in the years one thousand nine hundred seventy-five and seventy-six. The changes from the beginning of the new millennium followed. And then came the newest and possibly most important change. In the years two thousand twenty-one to two thousand twenty-three there was a major reconstruction which prepared the building for modern times.

Here we come to an interesting point that may be surprising to you. Originally, the cinema had a big screening room. However, within the last major reconstruction, this space was divided into two smaller halls. Why was that? The modern viewer is looking for other comfort and the operator needs more flexibility. Thanks to this distribution the cinema now offers a total capacity of twenty-nine five seats divided between the two halls. It's a great example of how the historical monument can adapt to the needs of today without losing its soul. Today the cinema is part of the social centre UFFO, which makes it a place of meeting, culture and mutual experiences, not just a space for watching movies.

Stop for a moment and imagine what secrets these walls can hide. Who sat here? Which films have caused the biggest stormy reactions? Who held hands here for the first time in the darkness of the hall? Although we don't know the specific names of all the personalities who visited here, we do know that every viewer left a trail in this space. Kino Vesmír is not just a pile of bricks and concrete, it is a living organism that breathes through the history of Trutnova.

Now that you know the story of this building, I suggest you take a closer look. Feel the contrast between her classical sobriety and modern use within the UFFO centre. Take a look at the details that interest you, and try to imagine what Václav Havel's waterfront looked like in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-nine when the cinema lights first lit up.

Thank you for accompanying me on this short trip to the history of Space Cinema. I hope you're interested in this building and will see more than just a building with projecting halls. Now invited to further explore the beauty of Trutnova. You may choose to enter and experience the atmosphere of a modern cinema in a historic garment, or go further down the waterfront, where you will have more stories. I wish you a pleasant continued journey and remember the details that form the face of our city. Goodbye.