Built in 1910, one of Berlin's oldest cinemas has undergone a thoughtful restoration that honours its heritage. Located within the Neuköllner Passage on Karl-Marx-Straße, the venue has been revitalized by Batek Architekten. Working with Berlin's Yorck cinema group, the firm not only refurbished and modernized the Passage cinema but expanded it as well—all while preserving the protected building's historic character and updating its technical infrastructure to contemporary standards.

The cinema thrived from its opening through the 1960s, surviving both world wars only to fall victim to the Berlin Wall and the rise of television. For two decades it served as furniture storage. After reunification, the Yorck cinema group saw an opportunity to restore the venue to its former purpose. Batek Architects was brought in to lead this comprehensive renovation.

The architects completely reimagined the foyer and the two basement auditoriums while working closely with heritage authorities. The building's distinctive arched windows inspired the design of the sales counter and bar backdrop. The protected reddish-brown linoleum floors were retained and now beautifully complement the new pistachio green walls. To minimize waste, sections of the original Corten steel bar cladding were salvaged and reintegrated into the design. Existing brass fixtures and ornamental plasterwork were carefully restored, ensuring the space retains its original allure.

The two basement screening rooms have been entirely refreshed with new stepped platforms for improved sightlines. In one auditorium, blue fabric panels serve as acoustic treatment while contrasting boldly with vibrant yellow seating. The second auditorium features warm red tones accented by vertical illuminated strips.

As an arthouse cinema within the Yorck group, the Passage attracts an engaged and discerning audience. Batek Architekten's expertise in breathing new life into historic structures made them the natural choice for this project. The firm has brought similar vision to other Yorck venues, including the Delphi Lux at Bahnhof Zoo and the Blauer Stern in Pankow.

www.batekarchitekten.com

Photography Credits:

Marcus Wend
www.marcuswend.com

(Published in CUBE Berlin 02|22)