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2024 marks the 90th birthday of Curzon and to celebrate, there is a programme of special screenings and events at its cinemas including its flagship, the Curzon Mayfair on nearby Curzon Street.
About
The Curzon Mayfair is a Grade II listed building which opened in 1934 (its first film was Unfinished Symphony) and is lauded for changing the British cinema-going landscape. It was redesigned in the 1960s by HG Hammond in the Modern Movement style whilst retaining a fascinating interior with innovative features. Most notable are sculptor William Mitchell’s decorative fibreglass murals in the auditorium which absorb sound, and the two staircases leading from the foyer into the auditorium, which are based on an ingenious ancient Roman invention of vomitaria, which seal off any noise. Described by Historic England as one of the “finest surviving cinema buildings of the post-war period”, it’s an incredible place to visit for film- and architecture-lovers alike.
Curzon90
To celebrate the independent chain’s 90th birthday, there are a series of special events at several of their locations, focusing upon celebrated films from the 1930s to the present day. A special edition of their complimentary journal is also available, which documents the chain’s fascinating history.
Curzon90 at Curzon Mayfair
The following titles are screening as part of the Curzon90 season. Pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment:
The 400 Blows (1 September)
Cleo from 5 – 7 (22 September)
2001: A Space Odyssey (23 September)
Paris, Texas (29 September)
Sense and Sensibility (6 October)
The Piano (3 November)
Amadeus: The Director’s Cut (24 November)
Getting there
Curzon Mayfair, located on Curzon Street, is just a two-minute walk from Hertford Street.
Also in the area
A fine selection of restaurants, pubs and bars in Shepherd Market – perfect for a pre- or post-film meal.
Handel Hendrix House
The historic Heywood Hill bookshop