Thamada Cinema

Thamada Cinema, formerly known as the President Cinema, is a historic mid-century modernist movie theater in Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Completed around 1964, the Thamada complex, which includes both the cinema and hotel, is one of the city’s most iconic examples of post-war modernist architecture. The cinema has a large, oval-shaped hall and historically showcased both local and international films. It has served as a major cultural and entertainment venue in the city for decades.

History

Construction of the Thamada Hotel and Cinema began in the late 1950s as part of Myanmar's post-independence modernization efforts. The complex was completed in the early 1960s, with both the hotel and cinema becoming prominent fixtures in downtown Yangon.
The Thamada complex was built in the international style of mid-century modernist architecture. The hotel is a seven-story concrete structure with curved facades and minimal decorative features. The adjoining cinema features an oval-shaped auditorium and rounded exterior, which was rare for the region at the time. These design elements contribute to the building’s cohesive and forward-looking aesthetic.
As of the 2020s, the hotel and cinema remain active, though parts of the complex show signs of aging. Preservation advocates have highlighted it as a key example of Myanmar’s mid-century modernist architecture, worthy of conservation.