Capturing the Ghostly Grandeur: Simon Edelstein’s Mission to Document Vanishing Cinemas
Across the globe, the grand movie palaces that once served as the beating hearts of urban culture are disappearing. Some are left to decay in silence, while others are repurposed into retail spaces or fast-food outlets. For Swiss cinematographer and filmmaker Simon Edelstein, these structures aren’t just buildings—they’re endangered heritage. For over two decades, Edelstein has traveled to more than 30 countries to photograph the façades and interiors of these vanishing cinemas, racing to immortalize them before they are demolished and their memory fades entirely.
- Global Scope: Simon Edelstein has documented cinemas in over 30 countries.
- Architectural Loss: His work highlights the shift from daring, creative cinema architecture to homogenized urban landscapes.
- Preservation through Art: By photographing abandoned or converted venues, Edelstein creates a visual record of lost community spaces.
The Man Behind the Lens
Edelstein isn’t a stranger to the world of cinema. Between 1973 and 2008, he directed four feature films, working as a filmmaker and director of photography. However, about 20 years ago, he began a project that started “as a hobby”: documenting the neglected cinemas he encountered during his travels. What began as a personal interest evolved into a global mission to archive the striking architecture of a bygone era.
A Global Archive of Cinematic Relics
Edelstein’s portfolio spans a diverse array of international sites, capturing everything from total abandonment to strange corporate adaptations. In Charleroi, Belgium, he documented the Varia cinema-theater back in 2008. More recently, his focus has shifted toward Spain, specifically the Elíseos in Zaragoza. This particular venue serves as a poignant example of modern urban transformation; while the building was purchased by McDonald’s, the owners preserved the façade and kept the auditorium intact, though the original seating was replaced with tables.
His latest work continues to expand this archive, with his most recent book focusing on the cinematic heritage of India. Through these photographs, Edelstein captures the tension between preservation and progress, documenting venues that are often converted into shops or restaurants before eventually facing the wrecking ball.
The Loss of Community and Creativity
For Edelstein, the disappearance of these theaters represents a deeper cultural loss. Having spent much of his life in Geneva, he’s witnessed the steady erosion of community spaces. He notes that cinemas often showcased “daring, freer, more creative architecture” compared to the uniformity of modern cityscapes. This trend is a global phenomenon; during his travels to the United States, he discovered numerous “absolutely incredible theaters” that now stand abandoned.
“When things change before our eyes, when everything becomes the same, you become more attentive.”
The Fight for Memory
The drive to document these sites stems from a belief that these spaces once held a value that people were willing to fight for. By capturing the intricate details of a crumbling ceiling or the sweeping curve of a preserved façade, Edelstein ensures that the architectural ambition of the early 20th century isn’t completely erased by urban redevelopment.
As cities continue to transform and community hubs vanish, Edelstein’s work serves as a vital visual history. His photographs don’t just record buildings; they preserve the memory of the shared human experience that happened within those walls, ensuring that the legacy of the silver screen’s physical homes survives long after the lights have gone out for the last time.
For more on these efforts to document endangered heritage, you can explore the work detailed by Le Monde.