Intermission

After an 18-month renovation, Kino International on Berlin's Karl-Marx-Allee is reopening its doors. One of Germany's most significant premiere cinemas returns: as a venue of international film history and a future-ready cinema.Since its opening in 1963, the cinema on Karl-Marx-Allee has shaped the national and international film landscape. It served as the premiere cinema of DEFA, a venue for international film festivals, and a stage for filmmakers and actors such as Tilda Swinton, Steven Spielberg, and Spike Lee. The spacious auditorium, distinctive wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, and the panorama bar overlooking Karl-Marx-Allee are among the defining architectural elements of the venue.To secure the cinema's long-term future, a complete closure was necessary for the first time in its history. From June 2024 to February 2026, the technical infrastructure was renewed. This included 40 kilometers of installation cables, 20 kilometers of telecommunications lines, and 3.5 kilometers of piping. The new heating system reduces energy consumption by approximately 70 percent.The goal of the renovation was to preserve the heritage-listed fabric while integrating modern cinema technology. A Christie laser projector enables 4K projections at Cannes-level quality, complemented by a 7.1 surround sound system. By reducing seating from 551 to 506, row spacing was increased. An elevator to the auditorium and wheelchair-accessible facilities will ensure full accessibility.A further focus of the work was the artisanal restoration of the historic interior. A total of seven kilometers of wall slats made of cherry, elm, and ash were individually restored. The iconic silver premiere curtain with 20 million sequins was painstakingly restored and faithfully reconstructed.Heritage-compliant planning was carried out by Dickmann Richter Architekten. The renovation was funded by Yorck Kino GmbH's own resources as well as public grants from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, the Stiftung Deutsche Klassenlotterie Berlin, the federal-state program Lebendige Zentren und Quartiere, the Berlin State Monument Authority, the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz, and the Filmförderungsanstalt.