Event of 1899: The Eden Theatre in La Ciotat, a small city in France near Marseilles, lays a cl

Background. Located on the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Toulon, the Eden Theatre is regarded as the oldest cinema in the world. Guinness World Records designates it as the oldest purpose-built cinema in operation. In its early years, the venue hosted vaudeville, concerts, plays, and sporting events, evolving into a dedicated film exhibition space.

First Public Screening. In 1895, the Eden Theatre hosted the first public showing of a film. The screening featured "Arrivé d’un Train à La Ciotat," a work produced by the Lumière brothers. This event established the theatre's historical significance as a pioneer in cinema history, distinct from later commercial screenings in other regions.

Historical Claims. While the Eden Theatre is recognized for its 1895 screening, other venues have competing claims. Ptuj City Cinema, the oldest Slovenian movie theater, claims functional seniority. Its first commercial public screening occurred on March 3, 1897, after the 1895 event, but it may be the oldest continuously active cinema.