Warsaw Fotoplastikon: A Unique Pre-Cinema Experience

The Warsaw Fotoplastikon was constructed in 1901 and initially shown at a temporary location before moving to its permanent home.

The Fotoplastikon moved to its permanent location in a small theatre at the back of an inner courtyard of Kamienica Hoserów at 51 Jerusalem Avenue in 1946.

The Krempa family operated the Fotoplastikon at its 51 Jerusalem Avenue location from October 1946 until 1973.

Józef Chudy became the owner of the Fotoplastikon in 1973 and operated it until his death in 1980.

Following a closure after Józef Chudy's death, the Fotoplastikon was relaunched by his grandson, Tomasz Chudy, in 1992.

The Warsaw Fotoplastikon was officially entered into the Polish Register of Monuments in 1987.

In 2008, the device and a collection of 3,000 slides were leased to the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising by the owner, Tomasz Chudy.

The Museum of the Warsaw Uprising purchased the equipment and slides in December 2012, continuing its operation at the original location.

In September 2013, the Fotoplastikon expanded its facilities by gaining an additional room adjacent to its original site.

During World War II, the Fotoplastikon was utilized by members of the Polish underground for secret meetings, offering a discreet and safe venue.

The Fotoplastikon offered Warsavians a rare window to the outside world, especially during the difficult postwar communist era, serving as a refuge.

Imported jazz and pop records played as background music in the Fotoplastikon provided Poles with exposure to Western music during the communist period.

Operating at the same location since 1946, the Warsaw Fotoplastikon is recognized as the oldest stereoscopic theatre in Europe still in business at its original site.