Lichtburg in Essen remains Germany’s largest and probably most beautiful movie palace. It was already considered the country’s most modern cinema when it opened in 1928. In 1943 fire completely destroyed the auditorium. Reconstruction in the style of the 1950s made Lichtburg one of Germany’s most elegant movie theaters. After the extensive renovations completed in 2003 the building now shines in new splendor. As a first-run theater and venue with special flair, Lichtburg is an attraction well known beyond the region. The heritage-listed monument offers 1,250 seats, an additional hall with 150 seats, state-of-the-art video and sound technology, and a large theater stage. In addition to about ten new movies starting every month, regional and national premieres are organized from time to time. The large restored hall with its stage provides an extraordinary setting for a wide range of events, such as concerts, musicals, theater or dance performances, and awards ceremonies. Lichtburg is not just a movie palace: Hundreds of national and world premieres as well as gala performances have taken place here over the past decades. National and international stars have enthused the crowds, among them Gary Cooper, Zarah Leander, Curd Jürgens, Romy Schneider, and Pierce Brosnan. Moreover, Lichtburg preserves the movie tradition in Essen by maintaining and operating the theaters Eulenspiegel, Astra, and Glückauf Filmstudio.

www.lichtburg-essen.de