With just over two weeks to go before the reopening, the famous Kino International in Berlin is gleaming. The building, which opened in 1963 and was once the most important premiere cinema in the GDR, was renovated for a year and a half. It is now set to reopen in around two weeks.
On February 22, the building will open for viewing ("Open House"). The first films will be shown the following week, followed by a celebration with Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer on March 3.
The Kino International - an example of 1960s architectural art - was closed for around two years for the work. The refurbishment cost around 15 million euros and is partly subsidized with public funds.
The outdated building services and the roof were renovated. Cinema-goers now also have a little more legroom in the auditorium because the number of seats has been reduced. The ventilation system and cinema technology were renewed. The refurbishment cost around 15 million euros and is partly subsidized with public funds.
For example, the wooden paneling, the sequined curtain and the crystal chandeliers in the bar have also been refurbished. It's great that this craft still exists, said Christian Bräuer from the Yorck Cinema Group.
The premiere curtain in the hall dates back to the early days. Since its opening in 1963, the curtain has been the centerpiece of countless premieres and concerts, the operators write. A 20-strong team has now restored the curtain with its around 40 million sequins.
Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
