The Museum Lichtspiele cinema in Haidhausen is the oldest in the city. Its enduring popularity for over a century is due to its charming retro atmosphere, diverse programming, and attention to detail.
The “Museum Lichtspiele” cinema was founded back in 1910, making it the oldest in Munich. Initially named “Gabriel’s Tonbildtheater” – after its owner Carl Gabriel – it is still located in a listed building on Lilienstraße 2, not far from the Deutsches Museum. In 1918, it was renamed to its current title. It struggled through the Second World War and reopened in 1946 after a brief closure.
The operators have never shied away from changing the concept or program and trying new things. In the late 1970s, it evolved from a “revolver cinema” that primarily screened spaghetti westerns into a musical cinema. However, this shift was not as well received by locals as hoped, and at one point, the second auditorium was rented out to Beate Uhse to generate income.
Today, Museum Lichtspiele boasts four individually designed auditoriums. What makes it special: Auditorium 2 is outfitted with plush red armchairs, as it hosts the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” every Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m. – the cinema’s hallmark. The cult film has been screened continuously since 1977, even earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
In addition to this regular feature, cinema lovers will find a wide-ranging program at Museum Lichtspiele, offering not only current blockbusters but also classics, indie productions, and cult films. Notably, the cinema places great emphasis on original versions, especially in English, although films in other original languages are also shown – making it worth checking the schedule to discover cinematic gems.
Museum Lichtspiele is a small jewel in Munich’s cinema scene – not just for movie lovers, but for anyone who appreciates the unique and extraordinary.
