1882 – Garfield Chambers & Regent Cinema, Royal Avenue, Belfast
The building, Garfield Chambers was built in 1882 and like many buildings on Royal Avenue, was finished in stucco. Opened in 1911,
Belfast cinemas
1912 – New Princess Cinema, Newtownards Rd., Belfast
Architect: Thomas Houston
Quirky cinema building which had a windmill tower on the main facade. It is unknown if windmill sails were every constructed although he architect’s drawings show a set attached.
1916 – Lyceum Cinema, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Architect: Charles Adelian Aickin
Opened on 11 December 1916, and designed to seat 1,200 customers, the Lyceum Cinema closed on 29th April 1966,
1916 – Picture Theatre , Duncairn Gardens, Belfast
Architect: F.T. Waddington
From The Building News, August 16 1916: “This cinema theatre, illustrated to-day has been recently erected in Duncairn Gardens Belfast,
1923 – Gaumont Cinema, Belfast
Opened as the Classic Cinema and renamed after it was taken over by the Gaumont chain. The building included a cafe and dance hall.
1934 – Picturedrome Cinema, Mountpottinger, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Architect: John McBride Neill
Constructed on the site of an earlier Picturedrome which had opened, with 1,000 seats in 1911.
1935 – Capitol Cinema, Antrim Rd., Belfast
Architect: Thomas McLean
Suburban Art Deco cinema with cafe on the first floor. The cinema was closed in early 1975 due to a downtown in cinema goers.
1936 – Curzon Cinema, Ormeau Rd., Belfast
Architect: John McBride Neill
Another 1930s cinema designed by John McBride Neill and opened during a golden period of cinema in Belfast.
1936 – Ritz Cinema, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Architect: Kemp & Tasker
When constructed it was the largest cinema in Northern Ireland with over 2,200 seats, 1000 of those on the massive balcony.
1936 – Troxy Cinema, Shore Rd., Belfast
Architect: John McBride Neill
Like many suburban cinemas in Belfast and Dublin, the Troxy incorporated some commercial units into its design.
