Berlin’s Kino International reemerges after a two-year modernist revival
After nearly two years of closure, Kino International in Berlin-Mitte is nearing the end of its comprehensive renovation. The exterior work is mostly completed, with the roof and large glass panels renewed, and the iconic GDR-era relief now visible again.
Interior work began soon after the cinema's closure in May 2024. Seating, lighting, and building systems were removed to make way for the overhaul. Around 80 percent of the building’s technical infrastructure is being replaced, including all piping, cabling, and control systems. The scaffolding has come down, revealing the restored façade.
The renovation is set to restore a piece of East German modernism to Karl-Marx-Allee. Kino International first opened in 1963 and is one of the most distinctive examples of its era. It served as the GDR’s official premiere venue until 1990 and remains a cornerstone of Berlin’s film culture.
The project is on schedule to reopen in time for the 2026 Berlinale. When it does, Kino International will return to its former glory, preserving a piece of East German history for future generations of film lovers.
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