# Art Deco Cultural Centers This 1930s Cinema was Converted into a Vibrant Cultural Center By Ell Smith | Published 2017-05-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renovated-art-deco-cinema References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2017/05/17/storyhouse-cultural-centre-bennetts-associates-art-deco-cinema-chester-england-uk/) & [storyhouse](https://www.storyhouse.com/) 'Storyhouse' is the new name given to the renovated [Art Deco](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-brea-affordable-housing) cinema that has been re-purposed to serve as a [cultural center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wuyang-cultural-station) in Chester, England. Brick, frosted glass and copper extensions have been added to the 1930s cinema, creating what architects are calling its "contemporary twin." A library, restaurant and cafe and cinema can be found inside the £37 million structure. The central red staircase, which is visible from the outside, is juxtaposed against the [Art Deco-style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atypique-1) plaste,r which remained in tact during the renovations. The old cinema was replaced with a mezzanine level, which can hold 100 people and is enclosed in a glass box. The renovation project was successful in modernizing a classic, yet dated structure without sacrificing the site's historical and artistic roots. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Adaptive Renovations:** Opportunity to repurpose and renovate historic buildings to create vibrant cultural centers. - **Contemporary Twins:** Innovation in architectural design to seamlessly blend modern additions with historic structures. - **Cultural Center Revival:** Renovating old cinemas as multi-purpose cultural hubs that preserve the site's historical significance. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to apply innovative design techniques in blending old and new structures. - **Arts and Entertainment:** Revitalizing cinema as a cultural center to provide diverse experiences for the community. - **Hospitality:** Opportunity for hotels and restaurants to integrate cultural spaces for guests to enjoy immersive experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modernist Art-Deco Cafés](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watchhouse-caf.md) - [Textural Brick Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beam-cultural-center.md) - [Converted Church Art Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nyth.md) - [Art Deco-Themed Film Headquarters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandbox-film.md) - [Art Deco-Referenced Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uxbridge-bower.md) - [Archival Performance Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/take-a-bow-centre.md) - [Civic Theatre Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-court-theatre.md) - [Restored Art Deco Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restored-art-deco-hotel.md) - [Garage-Converted Box Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/detroit-public-theater.md)