Interestingly, the Kino Kosmos stands as a testament to Berlin’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. It began its life as a grand cinema in the German Democratic Republic. Inaugurated on October 5 1962 the Filmtheater Kosmos quickly became one of the largest cinemas in the GDR.
Before 1989 the Kino Kosmos served as a premier cinema showcasing DEFA films. The premiere of “Die Legende von Paul und Paula” in 1973 was met with twenty minutes of enthusiastic applause. Walter Ulbricht famously stormed out of a showing of the Becher film adaptation “Abschied”.
Designed in 1959 by architects Josef Kaiser and Heinz Aust the Kino Kosmos was built between 1960 and 1962. Its architecture deviates from the late-Stalinist Zuckerbäckerstil of surrounding Karl-Marx-Allee buildings. Its sleek facades and combination of straight and curved surfaces resemble the Kongresshalle in West Berlin.
The Kino Kosmos is set back from the street. This highlights its presence. A single-story structure with a foyer leads into the main building. The main building has an egg-shaped layout mirroring the interior of the main hall. The hall originally accommodated 1001 seats. The foyer’s exterior is adorned with light ceramic plates. They feature a silicate glaze.
Following German reunification the UFA took over the Kino Kosmos in 1996. It transformed the cinema into a multiplex with a capacity of 3400 viewers. The UFA ceased operating the cinema in 2005.
Since March 2006 the building has functioned as an event center. It hosts conferences evening events special film screenings and theatrical performances. The Berlin SPD held its state party conference there in 2006. Tokio Hotel filmed a music video on the building’s roof. Chris de Burgh performed. The film “Als das Meer verschwand” had its German premiere there.
In 2007 the Green Party of Berlin held its state delegate conference at the Kino Kosmos. There was also a casting call for the ProSieben show “Popstars”. The youth association of the Left Party held its founding conference there. Members of the football club 1. FC Union Berlin convened for their annual meeting.
The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology hosted the Multimedia Founder Congress there in 2008. Apple presented Final Cut Pro. The software firm IDS Scheer invited its users to the Aris Process World 2008.
The band SIND released their third album titled “Kino Kosmos” in 2022. This was inspired by personal memories.
Today the Kino Kosmos stands not just as a building but as a living archive of Berlin’s vibrant past and present. It is a place where film history architectural innovation and cultural events converge. A remarkable landmark that continues to evolve.