Lights, Camera… Madrid: Cine Doré Named One of the World’s Top 10 Cinemas

The historic Cine Doré in Madrid has made Time Out’s list of the world’s 10 best cinemas, taking seventh place in an international ranking compiled by experts from cities around the globe.

Cine Doré is one of the Spanish capital’s oldest сinemas. The building dates back to 1923 and sits in the Lavapiés neighbourhood. Over the decades, it has lived through plenty — including being hit by a shell during the Spanish Civil War.

The cinema closed in 1963, but two decades later Madrid City Council bought it and carried out a full restoration. When the renovation finished in 1989, the venue retained its original Art Deco features.

Today, Cine Doré serves as the home of the Spanish Film Archive, Filmoteca Española. That role makes it a key player in the city’s cultural life, with a programme packed with classics, auteur cinema and rare archival screenings.

Two more Madrid venues also appeared in Time Out’s wider ranking of the world’s best cinemas. In 34th place is Cineteca Madrid, a space known for its documentary and independent film programme. It opened in 2011 and is based in the Matadero Madrid cultural complex.

Cine Embajadores landed in 84th place. This relatively new venue has built a following thanks to its cosy atmosphere and screenings in original-language versions.

Time Out’s top 10 cinemas in the world

1. TCL Chinese Theatre — Los Angeles

2. The Stella Cinema Rathmines — Dublin

3. Film Forum — New York

4. BFI Southbank — London

5. New Beverly Cinema — Los Angeles

6. Tuschinski Theatre — Amsterdam

7. Cine Doré — Madrid

8. Prince Charles Cinema — London

9. Music Box Theatre — Chicago

10. Cineteca Nacional de México — Mexico City