Amsterdam's 95-year-old Tuschinski cinema is home to a decades-old Wurlitzer organ that's been restored to its former musical glory by a team of technicians and volunteer enthusiasts.
Amsterdam's Pathe Tuschinski Cinema Wurlitzer —
Amsterdam's 95-year-old Tuschinski cinema is home to a decades-old Wurlitzer organ that's been restored to its former musical glory by a team of technicians and volunteer enthusiasts.
Barry Neild/CNN
The Wurlitzer was installed when the cinema opened in the 1921. It was replaced by a larger "six rank" organ two years later, which was expanded to "10 ranks" by German firm Strunk in 1940.
Organ expansion —
The Wurlitzer was installed when the cinema opened in the 1921. It was replaced by a larger "six rank" organ two years later, which was expanded to "10 ranks" by German firm Strunk in 1940.
Barry Neild/CNN
The Wurlitzer features an incredible array of orchestral sounds and effects such as bird whistles, horse hooves and police sirens. It has a full percussion section with timpani, snare drums, glockenspiels and tubular bells.
Full orchestra —
The Wurlitzer features an incredible array of orchestral sounds and effects such as bird whistles, horse hooves and police sirens. It has a full percussion section with timpani, snare drums, glockenspiels and tubular bells.
Barry Neild/CNN
The organ's restorers have taken care to replicate the original circuitry. "In 100 years someone will easily be able to fix this," says enthusiast Dick Cuiper. "They won't be able to find the microchips they need to mend the computers."
Wood and wire, not microchips —
The organ's restorers have taken care to replicate the original circuitry. "In 100 years someone will easily be able to fix this," says enthusiast Dick Cuiper. "They won't be able to find the microchips they need to mend the computers."
Barry Neild/CNN
High-pressure air wheezes through the organ's innards as pipes vibrate to create its incredible array of sounds.
The organ's innards —
High-pressure air wheezes through the organ's innards as pipes vibrate to create its incredible array of sounds.
Barry Neild/CNN
Today the Tuschinski Theater hosts Amsterdam's main film premieres. In the past, stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland and Dizzy Gillespie have graced its stage.
Stage of memories —
Today the Tuschinski Theater hosts Amsterdam's main film premieres. In the past, stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland and Dizzy Gillespie have graced its stage.
Barry Neild/CNN
Abraham Icek Tuschinski, the theater's original creator, was reputedly obsessed with insects. Many of the building's fixtures are said to have been inspired by invertebrates, including this spider-like ceiling design.
Insect-inspired decor —
Abraham Icek Tuschinski, the theater's original creator, was reputedly obsessed with insects. Many of the building's fixtures are said to have been inspired by invertebrates, including this spider-like ceiling design.
Barry Neild/CNN
The theater was restored to its former glory in an expensive refurbishment in the 1980s. Lamps on the underside of the balconies seem to resemble caterpillars.
Art deco masterpiece —
The theater was restored to its former glory in an expensive refurbishment in the 1980s. Lamps on the underside of the balconies seem to resemble caterpillars.
Barry Neild/CNN
Pieter Kroon (left), Dick Cuiper (top) and Peter Schipper (seated) helped bring the Wurlitzler back to life. "When we first took her apart, she was in a very bad condition," says Cuiper.
Organ enthusiasts —
Pieter Kroon (left), Dick Cuiper (top) and Peter Schipper (seated) helped bring the Wurlitzler back to life. "When we first took her apart, she was in a very bad condition," says Cuiper.
Barry Neild/CNN
The eye-dazzling ceiling of the Tuschinski's art deco lobby is one of many opulent features in the cinema.
Opulent displays —
The eye-dazzling ceiling of the Tuschinski's art deco lobby is one of many opulent features in the cinema.
Barry Neild/CNN
A Jewish immigrant originally from Poland, Tuschinski was killed by the Nazis in World War II and his cinema renamed the Tivoli. After the war, it reverted to its original name and his grand vision lived on.
Tuschinski's lavish legacy —
A Jewish immigrant originally from Poland, Tuschinski was killed by the Nazis in World War II and his cinema renamed the Tivoli. After the war, it reverted to its original name and his grand vision lived on.
Barry Neild/CNN