Ufa-Kristallpalast (Ufa Crystal Palace), Dresden
The Ufa Crystal Palace (Ufa-Kristallpalast) in Dresden is a modern architectural marvel in the realm of cinema complexes. Built between 1993 and 1998, this multiplex features a distinctive leaning design that captures the eye. The building's exterior is constructed from a combination of concrete, steel, and glass, forming a solid yet visually striking five-story structure.
Designed by the renowned Austrian architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, known for its avant-garde and innovative approaches, the Ufa Crystal Palace showcases its signature style, which blends elements of deconstructivism and German expressionism. This design not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose. The building's heavy concrete construction effectively insulates the interior from the noise of the bustling ring road adjacent to it, ensuring a serene environment within its cinema halls and spacious foyer.
The multiplex houses eight cinema halls, strategically distributed across four floors, with a total of 14 screens and a seating capacity of 2,700. This layout allows the venue to offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences, from blockbuster movies to indie films, with many German movies premiering here. In addition to regular screenings, the Ufa Crystal Palace also caters to sports fans; the foyer includes a screen and seating for 100 people, where live sporting events are shown.
The Ufa Crystal Palace is not only a place for watching movies but also a piece of architectural art. In recognition of its unique design, the building was awarded an Architecture Award for Building Design in 1999. For those interested in architecture or the behind-the-scenes workings of a cinema complex, the management offers guided tours of the facility, providing insights into both its design and operational nuances.
Designed by the renowned Austrian architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, known for its avant-garde and innovative approaches, the Ufa Crystal Palace showcases its signature style, which blends elements of deconstructivism and German expressionism. This design not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose. The building's heavy concrete construction effectively insulates the interior from the noise of the bustling ring road adjacent to it, ensuring a serene environment within its cinema halls and spacious foyer.
The multiplex houses eight cinema halls, strategically distributed across four floors, with a total of 14 screens and a seating capacity of 2,700. This layout allows the venue to offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences, from blockbuster movies to indie films, with many German movies premiering here. In addition to regular screenings, the Ufa Crystal Palace also caters to sports fans; the foyer includes a screen and seating for 100 people, where live sporting events are shown.
The Ufa Crystal Palace is not only a place for watching movies but also a piece of architectural art. In recognition of its unique design, the building was awarded an Architecture Award for Building Design in 1999. For those interested in architecture or the behind-the-scenes workings of a cinema complex, the management offers guided tours of the facility, providing insights into both its design and operational nuances.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dresden. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ufa-Kristallpalast (Ufa Crystal Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Ufa-Kristallpalast (Ufa Crystal Palace)
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Dresden, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Dresden
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dresden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dresden Introduction Walking Tour
Dresden was likely settled on the banks of the River Elbe by Neolithic tribes as far back as 7,500 BC. But it also has a long and storied history as the long-time capital of Saxony. The Electors and Kings lived here for centuries, appointing the city with every cultural and artistic treasure.
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Dresden New Town Walk
The Neustadt (New Town) of Dresden is a central district located on the north bank of the Elbe. Despite the name, this part of the city is not at all new and has been inhabited for as long as the Old Town on the opposite side of the river. Its “novelty” derives from "Neue Königliche Stadt" (New Royal Town), which is the title given to the area, formerly the district of Altendresden,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dresden's Architectural Jewels
If there is one thing Dresden is particularly famous for, it is the magnificent architecture. Although known primarily for its Baroque buildings, the city has several other architectural styles present too, such as Renaissance, Historicism, Modernism and Post-modernism.
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles