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Rodina Cinema: A Hidden Gem with Some Kinks to Iron Out

Name: Rodina Cinema: A Hidden Gem with Some Kinks to Iron Out
Item: Motherland St. Petersburg
Rating: 4
Author: bykopiluwak

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm not one to frequent Rodina cinema in St. Petersburg, but when I do, I'm always impressed by the cleanliness and comfort of the place. The audience is usually pretty laid-back, and it's not uncommon to see people bringing their kids or even their pets along. However, my recent visit on January 5th, 2026, to catch the new film 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' was a different story. The cinema was packed to the brim, and the service was a bit lacking. Still, I think Rodina cinema is a great place to catch a new release, especially if you're looking for a good value for your money. The historic building and interesting film screenings make it worth checking out – just be prepared for some crowds and potential parking issues. Plus, the tickets are reasonably priced, and you get a lot of bang for your buck.

settingsSpecifications

KararKötü

Mekan7/10

Kurulum2/10

Temizlik4/10

KonusmaKalitesi8/10

Hello everyone!

I'm not one to frequent Rodina cinema in St. Petersburg unless I'm desperate to catch a new release. But when I do, I'm always impressed by the cleanliness and comfort of the place. The audience is usually pretty laid-back, and it's not uncommon to see people bringing their kids or even their pets along.

So, I was excited to check out Rodina cinema on January 5th, 2026, to catch the new film 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother.' I'm not exactly a fan of going out during the New Year's holidays, but I was determined to make an exception this time.

When I arrived at the cinema at 9pm, I was surprised to see that it was packed to the brim. The audience was a real mixed bag - there were kids, teenagers, young adults, and even some older folks, all jostling for seats. Some people were even traveling with suitcases and backpacks, which made me realize that the cinema is a great place to kill some time before a trip.

Address: 12 Karavannaya Street, St. PetersburgHours of operation: Mon, Tue 10:00–22:00; Wed 10:00–17:00; Thu 13:30–22:00; Fri-Sun 10:00–22:00Website: linkOverview:The Rodina cinema is located in the heart of St. Petersburg, on Karavannaya Street. With three screens - the Big Hall (460 seats) and two smaller ones (52 and 48 seats), the cinema offers a diverse range of films, from blockbuster hits to indie releases and festival favorites. There's always something for the little ones to enjoy, and the 'Theatre on Screen' project, showcasing the best productions from around the world, will delight even the most discerning audiences. The cozy atmosphere, unique decor, and historical charm will leave you with unforgettable memories of your cinema visit.

On the building:

The building was constructed between 1914–1916 on Manege Square by the graduates of the Imperial Academy of Arts, architects K.S. Bobrovsky and B.Y. Botkin.

Initially, the building was intended as a venue for the Petrograd Governor's Credit Society, which occupied the upper floors until 1918. The upper floors housed bank offices and a large hall for securities transactions, the first floor was reserved for 'living photography', and the basement housed commercial stores.

Names:

In 1917, a cinema called 'Splendid-Palace' ('Glorious Palace') opened in the building. From 1924 onwards, in a show of solidarity with the German working class, the cinema was renamed 'Red Front' and retained this name until the end of the Great Patriotic War. In 1937, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the 'Red Front' cinema became the first in the country to be designated as a children's cinema. In October 1943, 'Red Front' was renamed by a decision of the Leningrad City Council, becoming 'Homeland' on 17 October. Under its new name, the cinema reopened on 27 April 1944. But that's not all - I had some major issues during my visit.

❌ No cleaning was done between screenings. So, people from the previous screening would leave their trash behind, and despite a 25-30 minute pause, the hall wouldn't be closed. The next group would just walk in without any supervision.

Sitting in a pigsty - that's what it felt like. You can see some of it here, but the worst part was under your feet between the rows: empty bottles, chip packets, popcorn, and crumpled up papers.

❌Sweltering heat. I have no idea how the ventilation system works, but if the theater had been empty for 30 minutes, the air would have been slightly cleaner.

❌ Entrance from the food and drinks area. The people sitting next to me were drinking hard liquor, the ones in front were sipping on a strongly scented tea, and they kept twisting and untwisting the lid of their thermos, making a scraping and clinking sound. Others were rustling through bags all over the theater. It's clear that the management isn't really into this movie; they're just people looking for some kind of entertainment for the evening.

❌ No penalties for tardiness and wandering around. I mean, it's not exactly pleasant when everyone is seated and then a star shows up 20 minutes late, starts shining their phone light, and stands up, pushing through the row. There were plenty of people like that here. Some of them even had backpacks and bulky coats that kept falling over their faces as they walked by.

❌ Lack of control. Nobody checked tickets at the entrance, and there was no one standing there to manage the crowd. The only person I saw was an elderly woman at the entrance to the theater, who scanned my QR code and said, 'It's not showing up on my screen.' She looked at the screen and said, 'You're in the big theater.'

So, if you come for one showing, you can just hang out in the theater and wander around to different rooms as you please. It seemed like that's exactly what people did when they started arriving after the lights went out - when it became clear which seats were available.

❌ Wanted to get a coffee - all the tables were taken. And the people who had taken them (by the way, there was also a suitcase at one table) had orders that were basically nothing. They were just hanging out - maybe because it was -15 outside and they didn't feel like going out for a walk after the show. They were happy to just stay warm and comfortable, and nobody seemed to care that their sales were suffering. It's not exactly pleasant to stand in line with a coffee and pastry in your hands while some woman sits alone at a table for four, surrounded by her stuff and glued to her phone.

❌ No parking. It's paid, but after 20 minutes it's free, so the place is always packed with visitors. Some spots were out of order because they'd set up a New Year's market on Italian Street. I had to make a few laps before I could park in 10 minutes and walk on the slippery asphalt. Even during the day, this area had parking issues (at least until they raised the price to 360₽ - I wasn't there after that).

❌ There was a huge line for the restroom, so I couldn't get in.

❌ The coat check was a nightmare too. Apparently, there'd been some kid's event or movie before, and a huge crowd rushed to get their coats.

But the good news is:

✅ The movie was great - it totally made up for the negative experience. The film selection is usually pretty good.

✅ The interior and ornate details are stunning. It's luxurious. You could spend hours admiring the ceiling.

✅ Outside of holidays, "Rodina" is a great place to be.

___________________

I'd definitely recommend it (outside of New Year's). 👍

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What kind of films does Rodina cinema show?

Rodina cinema shows a wide range of films, including new releases, independent movies, and classic films. They also have a great selection of foreign films, which is perfect for movie buffs.

Is Rodina cinema family-friendly?

Yes, Rodina cinema is very family-friendly. They allow kids and even pets in the cinema, making it a great place to spend quality time with your loved ones.

What are the cinema's operating hours?

Rodina cinema's operating hours vary depending on the day and the time of year. I recommend checking their website or calling them directly to confirm their hours before heading out.

Can I park my car near the cinema?

Parking near Rodina cinema can be a bit tricky, especially during peak hours. There are a few parking lots nearby, but be prepared for a bit of a walk.

Does Rodina cinema have any amenities?

Rodina cinema has a few amenities, including a snack bar and restrooms. However, they don't have a restaurant or bar.

Can I reserve a seat at the cinema?

No, Rodina cinema doesn't offer seat reservations. However, you can arrive early to secure a good seat.

Does Rodina cinema have any discounts or promotions?

Yes, Rodina cinema occasionally offers discounts and promotions. I recommend checking their website or social media accounts for the latest deals.

Can I bring my pet to the cinema?

Yes, Rodina cinema is pet-friendly. However, please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them.

Does Rodina cinema have any wheelchair accessibility?

Yes, Rodina cinema has wheelchair accessibility. They have ramps and elevators to help guests with mobility issues.

Can I buy tickets online?

Yes, Rodina cinema offers online ticket sales. I recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid sold-out shows.

Does Rodina cinema have any loyalty programs?

No, Rodina cinema doesn't have a loyalty program. However, they do offer rewards for frequent visitors.

Can I cancel or change my ticket?

Yes, Rodina cinema allows ticket cancellations and changes. However, please contact them directly to confirm their policies.

Does Rodina cinema have any gift cards?

Yes, Rodina cinema offers gift cards. You can purchase them online or in person at the cinema.

check_circlePros

•Interesting film screenings that cater to a wide range of audiences
•The historic building is a great conversation starter and adds to the cinema's charm
•Value for money – the tickets are reasonably priced, and you get a lot of bang for your buck
•The cinema is a great place to kill some time before a trip, with plenty of amenities nearby
•The audience is usually pretty laid-back and family-friendly
•The cinema has a great selection of snacks and drinks to keep you satisfied during the movie