Suche
New cinema Planken Lichtspiele” in Mannheim: A festival for the region!
The “Planken Lichtspiele” opened in Mannheim on October 11th, 2025 - a historic occasion for cinephiles in the Rhine-Palatinate district.
New cinema Planken Lichtspiele” in Mannheim: A festival for the region!
What an exciting day for the region's cinema enthusiasts! On Friday, October 11, 2025, the new “Planken Lichtspiele” cinema opened in Mannheim, and the joy about this new addition can also be felt in Ludwigshafen. The opening is associated with a variety of celebrations and the special charm of the historic cinema name. The name “Planken Lichtspiele” has a very special meaning that is deeply rooted in cinema history.
The “Planken Lichtspiele” are intended to offer a return to an experience that is often pushed into the background in times of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. More and more people are taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy films and series from the comfort of their own home, but the cinema offers a superior experience that culminates on the big screen. A visit to the cinema is not just a simple movie night, but a holistic experience. In this sense, the new cinema values the living tradition of film and thus expands the cinema culture in the region.
A journey through cinema history
The beginnings of cinema were characterized by short, often comical silent films that were shown in booths and panopticons. These “moving images” quickly generated great interest and led to the establishment of permanent cinemas, which sprouted up across Europe and the USA until the First World War. The first permanent cinema facility in Germany opened in Berlin on April 25, 1896, and from then on film experienced rapid development, with ever larger audiences and more elaborate productions.
Cinemas – from the silent film era to today
The silent era included multiple films, often accompanied by live musical numbers to enrich the experience. Until 1927, most of these films were silent, but technical developments eventually led to the introduction of sound films, which marked a new height for cinemas. This development revolutionized the way films were produced and consumed, bringing with it new challenges and opportunities.
The cinemas were and are not only places of entertainment, but also cultural meeting places. Visitors enjoy immersing themselves in another world together and experiencing the gripping stories on the big screen. With the opening of the “Planken Lichtspiele” another space will be created to continue this tradition and do justice to the special atmosphere of the cinema. This is also a reason to celebrate for the city of Ludwigshafen, because it keeps the regional cinema culture alive and varied.
At a time when many leisure alternatives are on the rise, despite strong competition from streaming providers, the cinema shows that it still has a unique place in people's hearts. The “Planken Lichtspiele” could usher in a new era of cinema enjoyment not only for Mannheim, but also for the surrounding area, bringing both joy and nostalgia. It will be exciting to see how the new cinema fits into the artistic and social life of the surrounding area.