Babylon
Films in a historical frame
A trip to the Babylon cinema is always a journey back in time – no matter which film you watch. This original art-house cinema from the 1920s was designed by Hans Poelzig and still retains the cosmopolitan charm of that era. In keeping with the ambience, silent films are screened here with piano or organ accompaniment, but there are also Spanish and French film series, as well as cult classics for fans of offbeat cinema, to discover. The cinema boasts an original cinema organ dating from 1929, on which an organist accompanies the silent films – the only permanently employed cinema organist in Germany.
Every Saturday there’s a silent film at midnight – free entry!
Every Wednesday at 11 am, families with babies can watch a current cinema film at the listed Babylon, where the little ones won’t be disturbed by either the volume or glare from the screen. Prams can be left right inside the cinema auditorium, and the volume is significantly reduced so as not to startle the babies. The auditorium is dimly lit during the screening. A nappy-changing table is also provided.
This special series has been running at the Babylon since 2006, with the aim of enabling young parents to keep up with the latest films to some extent, despite having young children. Parents are among themselves here, so mutual understanding can be taken for granted should a baby cry or need changing.
