Once the Fortuna Lichtspiele, now the Kino der Jugend e.V. stands before us. This place whispers stories of entertainment. It also tells of community spirit.
The Kino der Jugend e.V. wasn’t always called that. It began as the Fortuna Lichtspiele. This was back when this area housed the Gasanstalt Ost. The Gasanstalt produced gas. It used bones and waste until 1862. Due to the smell, production stopped.
In 1928, the former generator hall transformed. It became a cinema. The building gained an Art Deco facade. During the DDR era, its name changed to Kino der Jugend.
The Kino der Jugend became a vibrant hub. It was a hub for rock concerts in the 1980s. Big names played here. But by 1987, the cinema began to fall into disrepair.
The IG Fortuna formed in 2015. This is a group of neighbors and artists. They wanted to save the building. They established the Fortuna – Kino der Jugend e.V.. Their goal is to revive the space. They envision a multifunctional cultural center.
They host events like open-air cinemas. These events showcase films about Leipzig’s “Lost Places”. The IG Fortuna participates in city planning. They strive to preserve the Kino der Jugend. They want to bring culture back to this historic site.
The Fortuna – Kino der Jugend e.V. preserves local industrial history. The building stands on the grounds of the former Gasanstalt Ost. This is one of the few remaining industrial monuments in East Leipzig.
The Fortuna – Kino der Jugend e.V. is more than a building. It is a testament to community action. It is a place where history meets culture. The IG Fortuna continues to work hard. They ensure this space remains a vibrant part of Leipzig. They are dedicated to the cultural landscape.