Rex Cinema-Theatre was constructed on Chios’ seafront by Athenian engineers Stefanos Zografos and Konstantinos Marasoglou. The construction of the two-story, corner building with a hipped roof began in 1936 and was completed in 1940. The main entrance leads through a spacious staircase to the cinema hall, while secondary access is via two independent staircases leading to the backstage.
The inauguration took place in March 1940, attended by the Metropolitan Bishop of Chios Ioakim, local authorities, and many residents. After the ceremony, two Mickey Mouse films were screened, followed by Alexander’s Ragtime Band. In July of that same year, the first theatrical performance was staged, titled For a Lady.
During the German occupation of Chios in 1941, the cinema was requisitioned and screened films for the occupying forces. After the war, British and American films were shown once again, along with Greek movies. In the 1970s, cinema attendance began to decline, and Rex eventually closed in 1989. Later, it was converted into a nightclub, which caused significant damage to the building’s interior.
Listed in January 1998, the building’s cultural uses have been regulated by the Ministry of Culture. However, the Municipality of Chios that owns it did not follow contract terms, resulting in its vacancy. Since 2005, the upper floor has been used for storage, while the ground floor has occasionally housed services.
