Stubnitz Lichtspiele

Why did the reliefs on the Stubnitz Lichtspiele in Sassnitz cause such a stir? Let’s unravel this mystery together, right here in front of this architectural marvel. The Stubnitz Lichtspiele, built in 1958, wasn’t just a cinema. It was the heart of Sassnitz, a cultural hub that pulsed with life. This building served as a cinema, a cultural center, and a vital part of this growing town. The growth was fueled by the Fischkombinat, a fishing collective established in 1948. It employed 2000 people and transformed Sassnitz into a key industrial hub for East Germany. The Stubnitz Lichtspiele was built to meet the cultural needs of this burgeoning population. It offered not only films but also hosted large events, youth dedications, theatrical performances, and concerts. Its large auditorium with a built-in stage made this versatility possible. The building itself stands as a testament to socialist realism. It boasts a remarkably well-preserved original state. Its design, functionality, and quality of construction mirror other cinemas built in the traditional style of the 1950s, like those in Crivitz, Lübz, Plau am See, Malchow, and Pasewalk. What truly sets the Stubnitz Lichtspiele apart are the reliefs by Rostock sculptor Jo Jastram. These eleven concrete stone reliefs, with their terrazzo-like surface texture, are considered early works in Jastram’s artistic career. They adorn the northwest and southeast facades of the building, nestled between the door and window frames. On the southeast side, the reliefs depict symbols of intellectual recreation: a clown, masks, a dancer, and a puppet theater. The northwest side focuses on physical recreation, showcasing scenes of forests, animals, people playing ball, swimming, and strolling. These reliefs weren’t merely decorative. They conveyed a message about the importance of leisure and recreation in a socialist society. The Stubnitz Lichtspiele closed in 1992. Thankfully, it remained largely untouched, preserving a time capsule of East German architecture. It’s a testament to an era and a reminder of the cultural significance of this once bustling cinema. The Stubnitz Lichtspiele isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in stone, plaster, and celluloid, waiting to be rediscovered.