This eminently tasteful cinema, entered from the Spree side of the German History Museum, is one of Berlin’s best kept secrets. The historically protected interior, completed in 1964, is a superb example of 60s socialist functionalism, and its roomy blue theater comfortably accommodates 165 film lovers. But, despite the economically priced tickets, brilliant program and eye-pleasing design, there is rarely a crowd and never a crying baby to disturb the evening’s entertainment.

Programming is developed in cooperation with museum staff and film series’ often take up the themes of current exhibitions, with emphasis given to German and European cinema and film history, as well as documentaries and archival material. Film historians often introduce each screening and a piano is on hand to accompany the series’ many silent films. In addition, the cinema hosts the Berlinale’s Retrospective program, which is about the only time you’ll find a crowd here.