Universum
The Art of unionität
Unbekannt
Universum
For those who keep an eye on the universe.
„It was like I was getting back a piece of cinematic history that I had never lost from my heart."
When the Universum Cinema opened in Offenbach’s Kaiserstraße in 1956, it set new standards. Over 700 seats, air conditioning, water-cooled projectors, and a continuously adjustable screen. And above the entrance: an inscription in bright yellow writing — 73 centimeters high, six meters wide, visible from afar. International stars like Rock Hudson and Charlton Heston came specially to Offenbach to present their films.
In 1991, the last curtain fell. The inscription disappeared — and seemed lost forever.
In 1991, the last curtain fell. The inscription disappeared — and seemed lost forever.
„What takes a long time will finally be good.“
A Closer Look at the Work
Ardi Goldman The cinema had already wanted to be saved back then — in vain. But the sign wouldn’t let him go. Even in 2008, when the renovation began to become a supermarket, he looked for a way. Then the landmark suddenly disappeared.
For almost two decades it remained lost. Until Goldman’s garage mechanic told a friend in Berlin who owned the historical letters and wanted to sell them. After 17 years, Goldman finally got hold of them.
Today the Universum logo hangs on it Union-Gelände —for all to see. A tribute to the great era of cinema. And to a passion that hasn’t subsided since childhood.
Photos: Stefan Gröpper
Ardi Goldman Kunst-
und Kulturstiftung gGmbH
Uniongelände
Hanauer Landstraße 188, 60314 Frankfurt am Main