Overview of the project
The Luxembourg City Cinémathèque, a historic building and a valuable part of our heritage, is to undergo a major renovation over the course of four years, starting in 2026. The project provides for the construction of a new high-tech screening room and refreshments area, as well as the modernisation of the existing building to improve accessibility and bring it into compliance with current standards. An educational space will also be created.
During the construction work, screenings will still take place as per the normal schedule, but at other venues in the city.
The works will significantly enhance the already-rich visitor experience, while reinforcing the Cinémathèque's role as a cultural pillar of Luxembourg City.
Description of the works
Over a four-year period, the Cinémathèque will undergo a major renovation to modernise and expand this iconic cultural space, while preserving its unique architectural heritage.
Further to the extension, which involves the construction of a second multi-purpose room (cinema and conference room), the Cinémathèque will be able to accommodate more visitors and offer a more diverse range of films. The Cinémathèque will continue to screen films ranging from all-time classics to contemporary films and films d’auteur, while ensuring a superior immersive experience.
New cinema and refreshments room
In order to preserve the soul and distinctive atmosphere of this historic site, the renovation and extension project will focus on conserving as many of the building's heritage features as possible – such as staircases and tiles – while preparing it for future generations.
The works will include the construction of a new section, featuring a state-of-the-art cinema with Dolby Atmos technology and optimal acoustics, as well as an indoor and outdoor refreshments area, offering visitors a full experience before or after screenings. The existing cinema will also be modernised to incorporate the same technological advances.
The existing part of the building will be renovated to ensure that it is accessible to people with reduced mobility – as the new section will be – and to bring it into compliance with current technical and safety standards.
Services during the works
During the works, screenings will be temporarily moved to the Théâtre des Capucins and the Grand Théâtre. Open-air screenings will also be organised in various districts of the City so that the cinema's offerings can continue without interruption.
Educational space
The works also include the creation of an educational space, where workshops and educational activities can be held, in collaboration with schools, to raise young people's awareness of imagery and cinema.
Works schedule
Timeline
- September 2024: Filing of PDD (Final Execution Plan)
- October 2024: Filing of building permit
- November 2024: Beginning of plans / details of tenders from engineering firms
- March 2025: Issuing of building permit
- June 2025: Beginning of tenders from engineering consultancy firms
- January 2026: Commencement of works
- February 2028: Beginning of exterior works
- February 2029: Planned completion
