Gaumont Cinema, Union Street, Aberdeen 1973

Once one of Aberdeen’s grandest cinemas, the Gaumont on Union Street was a shining example of early to mid-20th-century movie palace elegance. Opening its doors in 1914 as the Picture House, it served as a vibrant cultural hub for nearly six decades before closing in 1973.

The Picture House first welcomed audiences on December 14, 1914. Built by Associated Provincial Picture Houses, it featured around 900 seats, wood-paneled interiors, French tapestries, and a welcoming foyer with a large fireplace. Its inaugural screening was presided over by Aberdeen’s Lord Provost James Taggart, and proceeds were donated to local charities, signaling the cinema’s community spirit.

In 1929, the cinema became part of the Gaumont British Theatres group, and in 1950 it was officially renamed the Gaumont. The 1950s brought significant modernization, including an illuminated canopy, beech décor in the foyer, updated projection equipment, and the transformation of the upstairs tea room into the Gaumont Gallery, hosting photographic exhibitions through the 1960s.

Notably, the Gaumont was distinguished by offering double seats in the circle, tucked discreetly behind pillars for added comfort and privacy. Its iconic blue neon sign and canopy became familiar sights along Union Street, casting a warm glow on rainy evenings and drawing moviegoers inside.

However, after years of operation, the cinema closed on October 6, 1973. The auditorium was subsequently demolished, leaving only the plain façade facing Union Street, now serving as an entrance to shops and offices—a quiet reminder of the city’s cinematic past.

During its heyday, Union Street was Aberdeen’s cinema district, home to multiple theatres and picture houses. The rise and fall of the Gaumont mirrored broader changes in entertainment and urban life throughout the 20th century.