The cinema building, erected by the famous Saratov architect Y.N. Terlikov in 1911, became the best among more than twenty cinemas that existed in Saratov at that time. However, the "Art" did not last long, as it was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1916.

During World War I, due to a lack of funds in the city treasury, the restoration of the cinema was not even considered. It remained in a semi-ruined state until 1935, when its ruins were demolished. In 1937, a building for the "House of Books" was constructed on this site, which became well known to the residents of Saratov.