Is GUM Cinema a good value for money?

Absolutely! The luxurious atmosphere and affordable ticket prices make it a great value for money. Plus, the unique movie experience in the heart of Moscow is hard to beat.

Can I book tickets online?

Yes, you can book tickets online through the GUM Cinema website or mobile app.

What kind of snacks are available at the cinema?

GUM Cinema offers a limited selection of snacks, but you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

Is the cinema wheelchair accessible?

Yes, GUM Cinema is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators connecting the different levels.

Can I reserve a seat?

Unfortunately, seat reservation is not available at GUM Cinema, but you can choose your seat when you arrive.

What kind of movies do they show?

GUM Cinema shows a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and Russian films, so there's something for everyone.

Is the cinema open every day?

GUM Cinema is open from 10am to 10pm, but the screenings are limited to two shows per day.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the movie?

GUM Cinema has a strict refund policy, so it's best to check with them before booking your tickets.

Do they offer any discounts for students or seniors?

GUM Cinema offers discounts for students and seniors on certain days of the week, so it's worth checking their website for more information.

Can I bring my pet to the cinema?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed inside GUM Cinema, but service animals are welcome.

Is the cinema air-conditioned?

Yes, GUM Cinema is air-conditioned, so you can stay cool and comfortable during the movie.

Can I rent a wheelchair or mobility aid?

Yes, GUM Cinema offers wheelchair and mobility aid rentals for customers with mobility issues.

GUM Cinema Review: A Hidden Gem in Moscow

I was surprised to learn that GUM has a cinema, but it makes perfect sense. I've known about it for ages, but I always thought it would be pricey. The cinema is fancy, with velvet curtains and a theatre-style buffet, right in the heart of Moscow!

As it turned out, the tickets for my daughter's favorite movie were actually pretty affordable. Too bad there were only two screenings, but the atmosphere around the cinema was magical and festive!

Going to the cinema in GUM was a real event. I mean, you can always go to the same old cinema near your place, but I find it gets boring after a while.Tickets I bought online, and one ticket cost 400 rubles. That's a pretty budget-friendly price, if you ask me. It's even cheaper than some of the cinemas in Oceania!

The cinema is located on the third floor of GUM, which is super convenient. You can enter from the Vozdvizhenka Street side, or just sneak in through any door and take the elevator to the third floor – the signs will guide you there.

The queue was absolutely epic. Some of the cashiers weren't working, but you can find a working one by following the signs.

I'd seen some weird reviews about how you can only exchange pre-purchased electronic tickets for paper ones at the box office, and that's it. When I asked to confirm whether I could just buy paper tickets at the box office to avoid this weird exchange ritual, I got looked at like I was from another planet.

After a pretty dramatic pause, the girl confirmed that, just like any other cinema, you can simply buy tickets at the box office.

But, I guess it's still more convenient to buy from home. You can pick your favorite seats and not worry about popular movies selling out.

By the way, to exchange an electronic ticket for a regular one, you don't need a QR code - you need the order number. More specifically, the first 3 or 4 digits. It's a good idea to screenshot it so you can show it to the cashier.

We also got given a special coupon that you can use to get a free movie ticket after collecting 5 stamps. That's a pretty cool perk!

I'm glad we had some extra time on our hands, so we could take a stroll, check out the Christmas tree, and grab some famous ice cream. To be honest, most of the flavors were sold out, so we went for the vanilla with chocolate chips instead.We also decided to pop into the historic loo. I have to admit, I was having trouble finding the free toilet in GUM, so I thought I'd check out this one and see if it was as amazing as I'd imagined. My 200 rubles weren't wasted after all. Now I've got a great story to share with my grandkids.

We even got to stretch our legs while walking between floors.

The funny thing is that you can only take the escalator up. If you want to go down, you have to take the stairs.On the second floor, there's a really cool installation with retro movie cameras near which lots of people take photos.

And the cinema has a beautiful theatre buffet. They sell sandwiches with smoked sausage, red fish, and profiteroles with caviar. The prices are a bit mixed up, but you can figure it out.

It all looks pretty appetizing, none of that old, wilted sausage or sad cheese. Even though I didn't buy anything there, the buffet somehow reminded me of the time when our class went to the theatre in school.

Snacking on burgers and sausages before a movie feels a bit weird. You can eat, of course, but getting that festive vibe? Not so much.

I'd have loved some themed desserts instead. Not a mushroom basket, but three ice cream balls in a metal cup. That's something I'd have happily bought.

The table in the corner made me think you can't bring food inside. And that's fair – I hate it when someone's eating loudly next to me.

Maybe they'll ask you to finish your snack before the movie starts, but crunching on crackers with garlic and corn sticks inside? Apparently, that's okay. Because that was the main tool for keeping the kids in line. Without treats, they'd have probably bolted out the door. I get that.

The GUM cinema has a swanky hall with red and velvet everything (it's called the Big One), a cozy room with plum-colored sofas and pillows, and a kids' area with beanbag chairs. That's what I'm going to tell you about – the kids' area.

They were showing Manunya at 11 am in the fancy big hall, but I didn't want to wake up early and rush off. So, I chose the plum room. I already imagined myself sinking into it and maybe dozing off during the whole movie. Maybe the film would be just as dull as the last one?

The room is tiny. Inside, rows of colorful bean bags are lined up. Later, I found a plush couch in a nook, but I still couldn't figure out if it was for parents or a theater employee who would be running back and forth during the movie.

Honestly, when we first walked in, I was really surprised. There's barely any space. The ticket checker opens the door, and all the charm of the place, its grandeur, and festive atmosphere starts to fade away. I love small rooms, and they've always seemed cozy to me, but this one is just not.

The coat check is closed. I guess that was my biggest letdown. It's not summer anymore, everyone's wearing bulky clothing, hats, and gloves. But there's nowhere to check them in. You can hang your jacket on a hook outside the room, unattended, or take it with you.

Sitting amidst my pile of clothes, feeling like I'm on a train station waiting for a train, I experienced some cognitive dissonance.

Surrounding us is a lavish atmosphere, heavy velvet drapes, and I'm on a bean bag, wrapped in layers, feeling pitiful, like a cabbage. It's weird and just not convenient. I ended up putting some of my things on the floor between our seats, and I really didn't like that.

On the other hand, if we had been in a different room, we'd have nowhere to put our clothes either. You're like a guest they're trying to kick out, so everything is made as inconvenient as possible.

The kids' room is indeed for kids.

It would be perfect to just let kids in there and have us go get some coffee. We took seats in the front row, and I could stretch my legs, but I still felt uncomfortable the whole time. The bean bags are brand new, but they're packed too tightly.

I tried to get comfy on it, but it just wasn't happening. I felt like a giant on a weird stool. Plus, my clothes were getting all bunched up.

My daughter loved it, though. Even looking at this photo, I can see she wasn't overwhelmed by the size, even though she's tiny. I was secretly relieved that kids' movies are so short – my back was killing me.

Unfortunately, we got stuck with a bad row, and that really ruined the experience. The small screen, uncomfortable seats, and lack of coat hooks all made it feel like a backyard movie night.

For the same price, I could've been lounging in a giant recliner at a place like Filion, with a footrest to boot.

I find it funny that everyone I tell about the cinema in GUM has no idea it exists. They all ask, 'Where is it, exactly?' – and they're Moscow locals.

It would be cool to go there with friends from other cities, but maybe in a different auditorium, during the summer. Then, even the non-functional coat check wouldn't be a bummer.