The Forum, Bath

The Forum stands in the centre of Bath, a Grade II* listed art deco cinema built in 1934. Its Bath Stone façade mixes art deco curves with neo-classical columns, and a steel frame supports the structure. Inside, brick walls and concrete floors carry large art deco candelabra lighting. A ballroom with a sprung floor sits above the main auditorium, while shops line the exterior. The building once pioneered washed-air heating, a novelty in the 1930s. It opened in May 1934 with 2,000 seats, the Marquis of Bath cutting the ribbon. After 35 years as a cinema it became a dancing school, then a bingo hall, before serving as a church. Bath and North East Somerset Council owns the building, leased since 1988 to Bath Christian Trust. Today the auditorium holds 1,600 people, making it Bath’s largest event space. Stubbs Rich Architects led extensive renovations, and a café now occupies part of the ground floor. Visitors find a grand auditorium with tiered seating and ornate lighting. The ballroom above has a polished sprung floor for performances. Shops flank the entrance on street level, and the café offers a place to rest. The exterior’s Bath Stone glows in daylight, while inside the mix of brick, concrete and art deco details catches the eye. The building’s layered history shows in every corner, from cinema days to church use.