Liberty Cinema, Mumbai

Welcome to the Showplace of the Nation - built to evoke luxury and glamour. This Art Deco cinema palace showcased Hindi films since its inauguration in 1949. This is the entrance lobby and stairway that leads to the stall, dress circle and balcony seats of the main auditorium.

Along with the woodwork, the interiors throughout the cinema also host fine examples of plaster work and lighting systems.

With a capacity of 1200 seats, this Art Deco cinema house is in immaculate condition, and is one of the finest examples of preservation.

A panoramic view of the cinema's interiors, taken from the balcony.

The stunning panelling work and lighting system uses wave-like patterns to create a sense of movement in the design.

Circular and recessed lighting systems on the ceiling illuminate the interiors and create a uniquely soft ambience.

The cinema houses a magical 28-seat private theatre. It hosted soirées and special film screenings for the who's who of Bombay's film industry. In focus here is the original curtain, decorated with piano keys and stars, symbolic of the music carrying on, whether night or day.

The opulent seats were designed with a drink holder, and a folding flap to make notes during a screening. The stunning floral motifs on the ceiling are created with a special incandescent paint, which glows bright to this day when the theatre is blacked out.