What is the oldest cinema in Finland?
Finland’s oldest cinema is Bio Rex located in the center of Helsinki. This historic cinema was first opened to the public on December 8, 1936. Bio Rex is part of the Lasipalats building, one of the most famous funky-style buildings in Helsinki.
History of Bio Rex
Bio Rex was designed by architect Viljo Revell together with architects Heimo Riihimäki and Niilo Koko. The movie theater has been preserved almost in its original form, and its interior represents the pure functionalism of the 1930s. Bio Rex’s large hall, which seats around 550, is especially known for its wonderful acoustics and unique atmosphere.
The meaning of cinema
Bio Rex has been a significant part of Helsinki’s cultural life for over 80 years. It has functioned not only as a cinema, but also as a stage for many different events, such as festivals, concerts and seminars. In particular, the Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy has used Bio Rex as one of its main venues.
Restoration and current state
Bio Rex has gone through several restorations over the years, the most significant of which was carried out between 2015 and 2018 as part of the Lasipalats and Amos Rex museum renewal project. The goal of the restoration was to preserve the theater’s original look and feel, but at the same time update its technical systems to meet today’s requirements.
A visit to Bio Rex
Bio Rex is open to the public and offers a versatile program that includes both new films and classics. The theater is also a popular venue for special shows and private events. A visit to Bio Rex is like a time travel to the past, where you can experience the magic of cinema in a historical setting.
