“Uzhgorod” cinema is a world-class architectural monument and a cult place for Uzhgorod residents – Lina Degtyareva

Recently we wrote about the events that have unfolded about the "Uzhgorod" cinema, which lately had been in disrepair. A few days ago, an unusual avtivity began near the former cinema: bags of debris, pieces of furniture and other rubbish are being taken out – apparently, the building is being prepared for repairs.

There are debates in social networks about whether this building is an architectural monument and whether current owners have the right to destroy it. We offer our readers the opinion of Lina Degtyareva, known Uzhgorod resident, professional and activist who stands for preservation of monuments and cultural sites of the hometown, expressed on her page on Facebook.

"Some facts about the cinema, which now can be seen in the very center of Uzhgorod. Which I could write many words of admiration about, but not now, when it hurts so much.

The theater was erected in 1932 and designed by the talented architect Ľudovít Oelschläger from Kosice. The building was designed in 1930, and the construction began in 1931 by order of the magistrate of the city of Uzhgorod. According to the project, the city cinema was a single complex with the city library building. The passage through the building adjoined the Bati passage. The total construction budget was 5.3 million crowns.

The building of the "Uzhgorod" cinema is built in the style of expressionism. It embodies all the key principles of modern architecture that originated in the interwar period – pillars, open plan, flat roof, and free facade. 

The three-story building is characterized by its perfect proportions, straight lines and angles.  Base, columns and portal of the building are made of travertine. Stylish artistic details – semicircular balconies, metal flagpoles, brass doors and more.

Today, the theater – a masterpiece of architectural modernism – can be destroyed by the private owner. But there is another way – though, unfortunately, not all the details of the exterior and interior are completely preserved, but it is still possible to restore the the building to its original appearance."