Chamaleon Variete Theater
Rosenthaler Strasse 40-41,
Berlin
10178
Rosenthaler Strasse 40-41,
Berlin
10178
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Related Websites
Chamaleon Variete Theater (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: Fredrich Zwiebel
Functions: Burlesque, Cabaret, Live Performances, Movies (First Run)
Previous Names: Imperial-Tonfilm-Theater, Fortuna Kino, Imperial Theater Weininger, Imperial Kino
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
49030.400.0590
Nearby Theaters
Located in the historic (and now renovated) Hackeschen Hoffen (A collection of buildings and very narrow alleys, which became a Jewish ghetto in the 1930’s). This particular building was originally built in 1906 as a banquet hall of a restaurant.
It was converted into the Imperial-Tonfilm-Theater in 1932 by architect Fredrich Zwiebel and seating was provided for 590 on a single floor. The building is down a very narrow alley and into a small courtyard, the actual auditorium is up-stairs on the first floor of the building.
It was re-named Fortuna Kino in 1935 and from 1937-1941 became the Imperial Theater Wieninger. The building, as did the whole area, survived the war-time bombing. It operated as the Imperial Lichtspiel Kino until closure came in 1961. The buildings and area by then were very run-down and basically a slum. Located in East Berlin, nothing was done to renovate them, and they just sat empty and decaying.
After the re-unification of Berlin, the area and the buildings in the Hackeschen Hoff were restored. It is now a ‘hip’ place to be and the new use for this building has become the very well patronised Chamaleon Variete Theater. It’s programme harks back to the ‘good old days’ of Berlin cabaret shows of the 1920’s, but with a modern approach.
In around 2003, the Hackesche Hofe Filmtheater opened on the fourth floor of the building, above the Chamaleon Variete Theater. They share the same entrance. The Hackesche Hofe Filmtheater has its own page on Cinema Treasures.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
The entrance to the Hackesche Hoffe Film Theatre and Chamaleon Variete Theater, as see in July 2006:
http://flickr.com/photos/captain-kidd/213372196/
Inside the courtyard, August 2004:
http://flickr.com/photos/10341397@N07/876521907/
September 2005:
http://flickr.com/photos/21617436@N00/534787608/
Hi Ken,
How did you find that it was renovated by Fredrich Zwiebel?. I am interested on that data.
Best regards,
Fred
Hi Fred, Not sure, but could possibly have been in a book I have on Berlin kinos. Currently I am away from home, so can’t check.
Ken thanks, I asked you because I think it refers to my Grandfather Friedrich Zwiebel. I would love to have that information. He used to be a famouse electrical engineer devoted to the Film Industry in the 30´s. If you can share information with me once you are back home I will highly appreciate it. Very best, Fred
Hi Ken, did you have any chance to review the book?. Thanks in advance & Best Fred
Hi Fred, The book ‘Kinoarchitecktur In Berlin 1895-1995’ by Syvaine Hansel & Angelika Schmitt (Published in 1995 by Deitrich Reimer Verlag in Berlin). Listing for the Imperial-Tonfilm Theater on page 108:– ‘Ingenieurburo Friedrich Zwiebel (Umbau 1933/34)’ The index of architects at the back of the book only has this cinema as a reference to Friedrich Zwiebel.
Ken, thanks so much for the reference, yes it refers to my grandfather Friedrich who was specialized in the Cinema industry. I have a lot of pictures from Cinemas in Berlin that were brought by my grandfather and have been never released. If they are from your interest let me know. Best, Fred