What's the history behind this cinema?

This cinema has been around since Soviet times and has a rich history. It's one of the few remaining historic theaters in St. Petersburg, and it's a must-visit for anyone interested in cinema history.

What kind of movies do they show?

The cinema shows a mix of Russian new releases, classic films, and some international movies. However, the selection isn't always diverse, so you might not find something that suits your taste.

Are the prices expensive?

No, the prices are super budget-friendly. You can get a ticket for a fraction of the cost of a modern cinema.

Is the cinema easy to find?

Yes, the cinema is located in a convenient spot, and it's easy to find. Just look for the historic building with the wooden sign.

Do they have any amenities?

Unfortunately, the cinema doesn't have any modern amenities like a cafe or a bar. However, you can grab a snack or drink from a nearby shop.

Can I buy tickets online?

Yes, you can buy tickets online or at the box office. However, be prepared for some technical issues with the online system.

Is the cinema wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cinema is wheelchair accessible, but the entrance can be a bit narrow. Be prepared for some stairs, and ask staff for assistance if needed.

No, pets are not allowed in the cinema. Leave your furry friend at home, and enjoy the movie in peace.

How long have you been going to this cinema?

I've been going there for years, and it's still one of my favorite places to catch a movie.

Unique Cinema Experience in St. Petersburg

I've been going to this cinema since my childhood, and even before. It was the real deal - a proper Soviet cinema with a couple of screens, wooden seats, and not-so-great sound and lighting. It was the only one of its kind back then, and it was super popular.

Nowadays, St. Petersburg has a whole network of state-run cinemas, Pетербург-кино, which have been around since Soviet times. They've got a great mix of old-school charm and modern amenities, with comfy seats, good picture quality, and decent sound.

The movie selection isn't always the most diverse, but you've got plenty of options to choose from. There are lots of Russian new releases, just like everywhere else these days.

Дружба is actually part of this state-run cinema network.

“Петербург-кино” is a state-run cinema network. Our network includes cinemas “Восход”, “Дружба”, “Заневский”, the “Родина” cinema center, “Уран”, and the “Фильмофонд” cinema, which was created on the basis of the city's largest film archive, boasting over 100,000 items in its collection. Our cinemas are equipped with modern technology. Thanks to our socially oriented policy, we manage to keep ticket prices affordable.

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Where is it located?

The cinema is situated in the Moscow District of St. Petersburg, at 202 Moscow Avenue. It's located in a stunning Stalin-era residential building, which is a real gem. The cinema occupies the entire ground floor.

The building itself is a 9-story high-rise and one of the first skyscrapers in Leningrad. The exterior is adorned with monumental columns and a staircase.

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Movie Ticket Prices

I've got to say, the movie ticket prices are super reasonable. The average price is around 200 rubles, and you can buy them at the cinema box office, on Yandex Afisha, or on the Petersburg-Kino website.

The discounted and concession tickets are almost free, but you can only get them at the cinema box office.

We went to the VIP hall - it's got just 8 seats on sofas and armchairs, and the ticket price is 300 rubles.

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Interior

The cinema's interior is definitely worth a mention. It's like stepping back in time - not much has changed since my childhood. The renovation is fresh, but the overall concept remains the same. That's intentional, so you can get a sense of what a real Soviet cinema used to be like.

As we walked in, we were greeted by a cute little Christmas tree.

The lobby is spacious, especially with the high ceiling and columns - it's just like the old days.It's got that classic Soviet community center feel to it.

To the left and right of the entrance, you'll find the two main cinemas: Zinii and Red.

You can expect a great movie experience from the comfy seats or the couch.

The staff, however, left a lot to be desired. The women working there seemed a bit unfriendly and, well, a bit older.

This isn't your average commercial cinema. They're not in it for the money.

That means no food court or cafe for you, although they did plan on having one at some point. Instead, you'll find a couple of vending machines with some snacks.

The bathroom's a classic Soviet-style affair, but it's spotless. No complaints about the decor or the toilet paper situation either.

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VIP lounge

The VIP lounge is a tiny room hidden behind a nondescript door to the left of the piano.

Tickets for the VIP area cost 1.5 times more than usual, and the discounts aren't extended to VIP sessions.

We took our daughter to see the cartoon 'Three Cats and Winter Holidays', and we even invited her friend from daycare. I was hoping for a more cozy, homey, and intimate space where younger kids could feel comfortable and not disturb others.

The VIP area inside has 8 seats: 4 armchairs and 2 sofas, all made of red leather. They're pretty comfortable.

The screen is small, and the sound isn't very loud, which is actually great for a family movie session.

I was pleasantly surprised by how cozy it was with a small group. The price is reasonable enough to rent the whole area for a session. Inside, eating or drinking is strictly prohibited. It's a completely different concept from a regular movie theater.

The room can get a bit stuffy, so I asked them to turn off the air conditioner during the session.

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Overall impression

We're not new to this cinema, so we knew what to expect, but an unprepared viewer might be taken aback by the minimalist atmosphere and the cinema's service.

We had a great time at the cinema. The kids were thrilled. The movie night went smoothly, and it felt cozy and homey.

I'd give the cinema 4 stars, minus some drawbacks that I'll mention below. And I'd definitely recommend checking it out!

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Other cool spots in St. Petersburg:

The Zenit Metro Station - not just a station, but a museum dedicated to our beloved football team!

The Planetarium #1 - one of the largest planetariums in the world

Visiting the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral

The Gostiny Dvor - a space for concerts and hangouts

The park near the SKA Arena - a new hotspot for St. Petersburgers in the Moscow district

The Smolensk Orthodox Cemetery

The MAF Museum of Art and Facts - the first museum created with AI

The Vokzal 1853 - the largest food court in Europe