The Oldest Movie Theatres in Egypt

The Golden Age of Cinema took over Egypt during the early 20th century, and life was never the same again. As Egyptian cinema sees a resurgence of attention in local and international film festivals, we;re taking a look at where it all began - the nation’s oldest movie theatres, where a vibrant culture of filmmaking has left behind an enduring legacy…

ALEXANDRIA METRO CINEMA, ALEXANDRIA

Founded in 1950, the Alexandria Metro Cinema is located on Safiya Zaghloul Street in the Alexandria Ramel Station area. It was once the venue for the International Film Festival, and it is still open for visitors today.

ALEXANDRIA ODEON CINEMA, ALEXANDRIA

Founded in 1940, the Alexandria Odeon Cinema is located near the Camp Caesar tram station in Alexandria. It was famous for showing Indian films, but it later became a wedding hall and has since closed due to low attendance.

DIANA PALACE CINEMA, CAIRO

Founded in 1930, the Diana Palace Cinema is located on Al-Alfi Street in downtown Cairo. It was destroyed by a bomb in 1952 but was rebuilt in the 1960s and renamed the Diana Palace Cinema. The cinema is still open today and shows a wide range of films.

RIVOLI CINEMA, CAIRO

Founded in 1948, the Rivoli Cinema is located on 26th of July Street, in front of the High Court building in Downtown Cairo. The cinema can seat up to 2,150 people and was once the venue for the Soviet Film Festival. It has also hosted concerts by Umm Kulthum and theatrical performances by Farid Shawky and Fouad El-Mohandes. Unfortunately, the cinema is currently closed.

RIO CINEMA, ALEXANDRIA

Founded in 1935, the Rio Cinema is located on Freedom Road (Fouad Street) in Alexandria and is still open for visitors today.