History of the building The first owner of “Phenomenon” cinema was M. Gofman. It was planning to rent the cinema hall for spectacles. Entrepreneurs were arranging permission from city authorities to enlarge the building in the future. As a result, the architectural appearance of the building was completed by the monuments of 4 ancient mythological figures – Mercury, Bacchus, Poseidon and Aphrodite. “Phenomenon” operated as a cinema, casino, "Satyrogite Theatre", "Musical Comedy Theatre" and as the "Museum of Agricultural Achievements" until 1931.
History of the Puppet Theatre The idea to establish a puppet theatre, was introduced by the theatre actor Molla Agha Babirli. On the initiative of theatre activists led by
Jafar Jabbarly, the puppet theatre was founded in 1931 by the decision of the Education Commission of the
Azerbaijan SSR. The first play performed at the theatre was "Circus" in 1932. The puppet theatre operated independently in 1931–1941, and in 1946–1950, under the
Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators in 1941–1946 and under the
Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall in 1950. In 1964, "State" status was given to the theatre. Since 1975, plays for adult audiences have been performed as well. == See also ==