With cinemas closed everywhere, famed London-based global entertainment magazine Time Out has taken a virtual tour of the world’s most beautiful picture palaces – and placed Budapest’s very own Puskin in its top 50. Rubbing screens with the likes of Le Grand Rex in Paris and LA’s legendary Chinese Theatre, the former Fórum of 1926 vintage won over Time Out’s team of film buffs – maybe they could pay a visit to the Uránia next time?
For cinematic heritage and grandiose décor, the Puskin more than justifies its inclusion among the world’s 50 most beautiful cinemas, as selected by Time Out. Now with five screens named after filmic legends, as opposed to the single one of yore that showcased the first talkie in Hungary, Al Jolson’s The Singing Fool, the Puskin remains an elegant confection of marble, velvet and gilt edging from the golden age.
When its projectors are rolling again, the Puskin will be offering its usual selection of arthouse and indie features in original language, a blockbuster or two and films for all the family. Set behind the equally historic Hotel Astoria in the city centre, when the time comes, this grand dame should lure you away from your laptop screen and back onto one of its wooden cinema seats.
Take a look at Time Out’s 49 other cinematic beauties here.
