A living monument.
Since 1963, the Kino International has shown films and written history.
After its first full restoration, the house returns exactly as it should — not a museum, but a place to watch films together. The listed substance is secured for the next sixty years; behind it stands the technology of a world-class cinema.
The auditorium
506 seats, perfect sightlines, a 19 × 8 m screen and a Christie laser projector delivering razor-sharp 4K — paired with 7.1 surround sound.
The curtain
The silver premiere curtain — 20 million sequins — painstakingly restored to its original shimmer.
The golden ceiling
The gilded ceiling of the entrance hall, restored by hand — the first thing you see, and the last you forget.
The Panorama Bar
Bohemian crystal chandeliers and a full-width window onto Karl-Marx-Allee. Berlin's best seat before the film.
The façade
A transparent glass front and 14 monumental reliefs — “From the Life of Today's People” — icons of East Berlin's post-war modernism.
Events & Rentals
The stage for your event.
Our in-house technical and events team knows this building by heart — every light cue, every detail, every step that makes an event count. From film premieres to congresses, award ceremonies and company events, they know how to make the occasion land.
Enquire about your eventThe house in detail
Foyer, staircases, curtain and auditorium — photographed by Daniel Horn.
See what's on.
About the Kino International
The Kino International on Karl-Marx-Allee is one of Germany's most important premiere cinemas and a landmark of East Berlin's post-war modernism. Opened on 15 November 1963 to designs by architects Josef Kaiser and Heinz Aust, its transparent, glazed architecture was a deliberate commitment to European modernism. Fourteen monumental reliefs titled “From the Life of Today's People” run along its side walls.
For decades the house has been a stage for film history — the premiere cinema of the DEFA, a Berlinale venue since 1990, and the place where “Coming Out” premiered on the very night the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989. Placed under monument protection in 1990, it has been part of the Yorck Kinogruppe since 1992 and is run on a single principle: a living monument, never a museum.
Between 2024 and 2026 the Kino International closed for the first time in its history for a comprehensive, monument-compliant restoration. Its listed substance was secured for the next sixty years, energy demand cut by around 70 percent, and modern cinema technology integrated behind the historic surfaces: a Christie laser projector for razor-sharp 4K projection, 7.1 surround sound, a new lift and step-free access. The auditorium now seats 506, with wider rows and reupholstered seats.
Where is the Kino International?
The Kino International is at Karl-Marx-Allee 33, 10178 Berlin, in the Mitte district.
Is the Kino International open again?
Yes. After an 18-month restoration, the cinema reopened in 2026, with its grand opening on 3 March 2026.
What's playing, and how do I get tickets?
You can find the current programme and book tickets at yorck.de/kinos/kino-international.
Is there a subscription for the Kino International?
If you're looking for a cinema subscription: Yorck Unlimited gives you access to all regular screenings at the Kino International, plus discounts on snacks, drinks and companion tickets, and even reduced tickets for select premieres here. The Yorck newsletter keeps you posted on what's coming up.
What projection and sound technology does it have?
A 19 × 8 m screen, a Christie laser projector delivering razor-sharp 4K projection, and a 7.1 surround sound system.
Is the cinema accessible?
Yes. A new lift provides step-free access to the auditorium, and there are wheelchair-accessible toilets.
Can I rent the cinema for an event or premiere?
Yes — the Kino International is available for premieres, screenings and private events. Write to event@kino-international.com.
When was the Kino International built, and who designed it?
It opened on 15 November 1963, designed by architects Josef Kaiser and Heinz Aust. A listed monument since 1990, it is a landmark of East Berlin's post-war modernism.
Why is the Kino International famous?
It was the premiere cinema of the GDR's DEFA studio and is where “Coming Out” premiered on 9 November 1989 — the night the Berlin Wall fell. Today it counts among Germany's most important premiere cinemas.
How do I get there by public transport?
The nearest U-Bahn station is Schillingstraße (U5), about 100 metres away. Alexanderplatz, with U- and S-Bahn lines, is a short walk to the west.
Is the Kino International a Berlinale venue?
Yes. It has been an official venue of the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) since 1990 and regularly hosts premieres and red-carpet events.
Does the Kino International have a bar?
Yes — the Panorama Bar, with Bohemian crystal chandeliers and a window onto Karl-Marx-Allee, opens before and around screenings.