The Criterion Cinema - Past, Present & Future

Hear about the Criterion Cinema’s past from 1912 until 2020, as a cinema and then a bingo hall. Hear about consultations with the public behind the decision for the council to buy the building.

Understand the work and funds needed to turn the building into a community-led cinema, theatre and live entertainment venue with a flexible arts and entertainment space with a café/bar, with the first stage of the project due to open in 2026.

Learn about how the building is being photographed and filmed in its current state, and what local archivists are doing to put the Criterion in the context of Gosport's entertainment heritage, and how this project fits into Gosport’s regeneration.

Timings & Tours

Friday 19 September:

1800

Location & directions

Gosport Museum & Art Gallery, The Roberts Room, 19 Walpole Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1NS

Directions:

At the top end of Gosport's pedestrianised High Street, close to Walpole Park.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please book online via the booking website, if you experience any difficulties with the booking system, please contact us.

Booking telephone number:

+447732265674

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/booking-2025/

Booking opens:

23 Aug 2025 09:30 AM

Booking closes:

18 Sep 2025 05:00 PM

Accessibility details

On-road parking beside the venue and carparks close by. On-site Changing Places (a facility for youths and adults with high needs). The venue offers a lovely Cafe and a small shop area stocking items from local makers.

Additional information

If you have time, please visit the displays in the Museum, the 'Echoes of Applause' exhibition in the Gallery, and the HODs exhibition 'Nicknames & Narratives' about Gosport being known as 'Turk Town' (all free to enter with NO booking). There will be other HODs events (bookable talks/tours) happening at the venue, so do feel free to ask if there are any available spaces on these.

Max no of people per tour:

40

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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