The cinema experience in Bristol has changed over the years, both on the screen and off it. Dotted around the city you can find buildings which once served as picture houses in the early 1900s. Bristol World has pulled together eight historic images showcasing where residents would go for an evening of film or theatre back in the day, using Bristol City Council’s Know Your Place map.
Here are the cinemas we found:
1. The Bristol Coliseum, Park Row
This image of the Bristol Coliseum was taken shortly after its completion, in 1910. The building originally featured both a cinema and ice rink. The cinema had a 450-seat capacity and served until 1924. The ice rink, located on the West side of the structure, was converted to an aircraft factory from 1915 - 1918 before returning to use as an ice rink until the building was gutted by bombing in 1940. | Bristol Record Office
2. The Odeon, Union Street.
One of Bristol’s most iconic cinemas, the Odeon opened on July 16, 1938, costing £57,600 to build. It originally seated 1945 people. The cinema was damaged in 1940 by bombing and underwent revamps in 1967, 1974 and 1983. It is still in use as a cinema. | Know Your Place
3. Whiteladies Picture House, Clifton
Constructed in 1920-1921, Whiteladies Picture House’s original design included a restaurant and ballroom. When opened, the auditorium could fit 1298 people and included elaborate plasterwork, much of which survives. The cinema’s final showing was held on December 15, 2001. | Bristol Record Office
4. Magnet Cinema, Newfoundland Street
Newfoundland Street gained the Magnet cinema in 1914 with its arched entrance and circular windows. It could seat 540 people before its closure in 1937. The building would be converted and is used as offices today. | Bristol Record Office