Russian Theatre - Tours full

Vene Teater (Russian Theatre) is located in the former luxury cinema building known as “Gloria Palace”. The building has a relatively small exterior, which might seem unsuitable for its location in a sizable city square. The façade is adorned with historical decorative elements. However, the true grandeur of the building’s decor is found inside. The construction of the elegant cinema building was carried out by a/s Royal-Film between 1925 and 1926, with the design created by Latvian architect Frīdrihs Skujiņš. The sculptor Jaan Koort crafted the relief sculptures on the façade.

The heart of the building is the former cinema hall, which can accommodate 700 people. This hall is adorned with lavish decorations, including gilded details and a ceiling that emulates vaulted architecture with painted designs. The surrounding rooms were also designed with opulent decor. The building’s luxuriousness is emphasized by the fact that, at the time, it was the only cinema in Tallinn with a cloakroom. In 1929, the first sound film in Tallinn was shown here, marking a significant moment in the history of the cinema. Since 1948, the building has been in use by Vene Teater (the Russian Theatre) and its predecessors. During World War II in 1944, the Estonia Theatre also operated in this location.