From the outside, the simple bungalow doesn't look that big, but it offers space for 265 guests and a surprisingly wide movie screen. The American vibe of foyer and auditorium is emphasized with salty popcorn and the lovingly maintained celebrity wall. Since 1985, the Odeon has shown exclusively original versions without German dubbing. The change was a novelty at the time. Until then, original versions had only been shown in the non-public cinemas of the Allied soldiers, and there only after a considerable delay. Among the first guests were friends and families of stationed Allied soldiers, but also numerous Berliners discovered their love for cinema in the original version over the years. No wonder then that Odeon has gathered a dedicated international fan base throughout the decades.And everyone willing to talk further about a film will find a warm welcome just around the corner in one of the many nice pubs in the Akazienkiez.
1950
The cinema opens as Filmbühne Sylvia.1982
The theater becomes part of Yorck Kinogruppe.1985
The cinema is given a new name, Odeon, and becomes the first cinema to focus exclusively on original-language versions.1986
After a bit of a run-up, the original version of Out of Africa with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford becomes the first big box-office hit at the Odeon.2012
Digital projection is introduced at the Odeon.2021
After a careful renovation, the Odeon not only shines in new splendor, but also has more comfortable seats and a bombastic sound system.