The Kino Wars cinema at 7 Rynek Nowego Miasta is set to return to Warsaw’s cultural map. The authorities have announced a tender for the renovation and redevelopment of the building, with the total value of the project exceeding PLN 42 million. Once the work is complete, this iconic venue for Warsaw residents will be transformed into a multi-purpose space dedicated to theatre, film, music and exhibitions.
The Wars Cinema at Nowy Miasto Square
The building at Nowy Miasto Square 5/7 was built in the 1950s on the site of ruined houses. In 1958, the Wars Cinema opened there, attracting the capital’s residents for almost half a century. Film screenings took place here until 2004. A few years later, the building was given a new lease of life thanks to the WARSawa Theatre, which operated from 2013 until mid-2022. Although the property was in the hands of a developer for a time, it eventually returned to the city’s portfolio. This paved the way for its comprehensive modernisation.
A new lease of life for historic interiors
The building’s greatest asset is the preserved decorative elements from its heyday. During the works, the terrazzo floors, wooden wall panelling, benches, balustrade handrails, metal details and box windows will be restored. Later additions will be removed from the interiors, including column casings, partitions on the gallery and glazing on the balconies. Preserved information plaques from the cinema’s operating days will be put back into use, and the historic neon sign will once again light up the front façade. It was this sign that served as the building’s landmark for many years.
Kino Wars for film, theatre and exhibitions
Following the refurbishment, the venue will have an auditorium seating 375 people and a larger stage. The building will retain its original main foyer, projection booth, technical facilities and additional rooms. The architects have also designed a space that can adapt its functions according to the organisers’ needs. The auditorium has been designed in such a way that some of the seats can be temporarily removed, transforming the hall into a venue for exhibitions and artistic events. The entire institution will have a floor area exceeding 12,500 square metres.
Culture returns to the New Town Square
Once the project is complete, the former Kino Wars will reopen to residents and visitors to the capital. The programme will include theatre performances, concerts, film screenings, exhibitions and events. The building will be adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, and the works will also include the refurbishment of the surrounding area. According to the schedule, the modernisation is due to be completed in the second half of 2028.
Source: srodmiescie.um.warszawa.pl
See also:Architecture in Poland|Socialist Realism|Interesting facts|History|Warsaw
