Northern Switzerland The Capitol cinema in Basel reopens

The Capitol cinema in Basel's Steinenvorstadt is to reopen after being vacant for over two years. The company Kinokoni from Olten announced on Thursday that it will once again be showing films in the building. The opening date is not yet known.

A "boutique concept" with armchairs and sofas is to be set up in two halls in the Capitol, as cinema operator Konrad Schibli writes. He already converted his movie theater in Olten into a boutique cinema five years ago. He is now looking for new locations in larger cities to continue this concept. Further information and details about the opening will be announced in the coming weeks, Schibli continues.

New life in the former cinema mile

Since 2022, films have no longer flickered across the screen at the traditional Capitol cinema. The previous operator, Blue Cinema, ceased operations at the time. In general, almost all cinemas in Steinenvorstadt have disappeared in recent years. This street was once known as Basel's cinema mile. The Eldorado cinema closed in 2014, followed by the Rex for several years.

Most recently, the operator Pathé closed the Küchlin, which had eight screens, in June 2023. However, it is now in interim use. Since the end of 2023, the new operator Saal 1 GmbH has been showing films again in the historic and listed variety theater and also hosting other cultural events.

A completely different use is planned for another former cinema, the Central on Gerbergasse. An indoor miniature golf course is to be built there, as was reported in the Basel cantonal newspaper in August.

SDA