Restoration of Zagreb’s iconic Kino Europa begins in €11.6 million revitalisation project

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Work has officially begun on the long-awaited restoration of Kino Europa, one of Zagreb’s most important cultural landmarks and a key venue for independent cinema in Croatia.

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, Croatia’s Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek, and Hrvoje Hribar, Director of the Cultural Information Centre (KIC), marked the start of the project today in the Croatian capital.

Mayor Tomašević described the initiative as a strategic project for the city.

“We are finally here today to open the revitalisation works of Kino Europa. We will not only restore the cinema’s former glory and original appearance, but also upgrade it with all the necessary modern cinema equipment. The cultural value of Kino Europa for Zagreb and Croatia is exceptional, which is why we have defined it as a strategic city project,” he said.

Extensive restoration and modern upgrades

The €11.6 million investment (including VAT) will cover construction works, conservation and restoration interventions, and comprehensive modernisation of the venue.

The project includes the installation of a new multimedia system and lighting, interior refurbishment, and the development of a digital platform featuring its own streaming service, which will be accessible throughout Croatia. The cinema will also be equipped with VR sets to screen virtual reality films, signalling a move towards embracing new technologies alongside traditional cinema.

(Photo: MirkoS18/CC BY-SA 4.0)

The restoration is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund with €6 million, while the remaining amount is being funded by the City of Zagreb.

Completion expected in late 2027

The works are expected to last 21 months, with completion planned for the end of 2027.

The project presents particular challenges, as Kino Europa is a protected cultural monument located in the very heart of Zagreb.

The cinema was closed in 2019 during the previous city administration. In 2020, Zagreb was struck by a major earthquake, further complicating the restoration process.

Mayor Tomašević explained that preparations for the renovation involved resolving property and legal issues, producing new technical studies, and adapting the project to address earthquake-related damage discovered during assessments.

An additional challenge has been organising access to the construction site in the narrow city centre. Authorities confirmed that a crane will be installed adjacent to the cinema in Prolaz sestara Baković to facilitate the works.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

For decades, Kino Europa has been regarded as one of Croatia’s most significant spaces for independent and art-house cinema, hosting film festivals, premieres and cultural events that have shaped Zagreb’s cultural identity.

Its restoration marks a major step in strengthening the city’s cultural infrastructure and preserving one of its most recognisable architectural and artistic landmarks for future generations.

Once completed, the revitalised Kino Europa is expected to once again become a central meeting point for filmmakers, artists and cinema lovers from Croatia and abroad.