Orah Cinema

Herzl Street, 18,
Haifa

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Additional Info

Architects: Oskar Kaufmann

Functions: Retail

Styles: Streamline Moderne

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The Orah Cinema was planned and built in 1935-1936, opening possibly in late 1936 or early 1937. It was designed in an Art Moderne style by noted German architect Oskar Kaufmann, who had designed many cinemas, theatres and mansions in Berlin and around Germany in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Seating was provided for more than 1,000 in orchestra and balcony levels. An unusual feature was the location of the foyer, which was beneath the balcony. The cinema had a small bar, which had its walls covered in bright multi-coloured ceramic tiles.

Following a fire in 1946, it was partially reconstructed by architect Eugen Stolzer, who was a former partner of Kaufmann. A new marquee was added that ran along the length of the building.

Contributed by Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on April 15, 2008 at 5:56 am

Another view of the Orah Cinema that I found searching the internet:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/2415469885/
A 1945 view, again with the Orah Cinema on the right:
http://flickr.com/photos/isotype75/190971623/

Rani
Rani on April 16, 2008 at 1:28 am

Current situation of the building is. sadly, small retail businesses in what used to be the lobby area. The rest of the building is neglected, like many of the other movie palaces of the era that are still standing. Many others were demolished.

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on April 17, 2008 at 3:48 am

A vintage postcard view of the Orah Cinema from around the time of opening 1937?:
http://flickr.com/photos/isotype75/2419031485/

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