Tęcza Cinema

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

A key feature of the redevelopment is a modern screening room equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. The room will accommodate 145 viewers, ensuring an unforgettable cinematic experience. The Dolby Atmos sound system and panoramic screen will make watching films a true pleasure for cinephiles. Despite these advanced technologies, Tęcza Cinema will retain its traditional roots. Audiences will still have the opportunity to enjoy film screenings on traditional celluloid film, paying homage to cinema history and offering a unique experience. The design includes the integration of two projection systems: a modern digital DCP system and a 35mm projector for screening films from light-sensitive film reels. Regardless of the source, audiences will enjoy spatial sound. Additionally, the cinema will feature a cutting-edge control room, enabling live recordings and broadcasts of events held on-site. The acoustic design of the cinema supports panel discussions, conferences, and intimate musical performances.

“We aim to make the new Tęcza Cinema the cultural heart of Żoliborz, open to diverse events and gatherings. Our goal is not only to promote film but also to host concerts, exhibitions, author meetings, and above all, workshops and educational events. We want Tęcza Cinema to become the new home for the LET’S DOC Youth Documentary Film Festival and a place that grows and evolves with our community” said Joanna Rożen-Wojciechowska, director of the Wajda Film Center.

Accessibility and Sustainability

One of the priorities during the modernization of Tęcza Cinema was creating a space accessible to people with disabilities. The building has been fully adapted to meet the needs of people with mobility impairments, including an elevator, specially designed seating for disabled viewers, and accessible restrooms. For individuals with hearing impairments, induction loops have been incorporated.

Sustainability and ecology were also key considerations in the renovation process. The use of modern technologies and materials with low environmental impact will make the building more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

Educational Cinema

A crucial aspect of Tęcza Cinema’s cultural mission will be its educational program aimed at children, teenagers, and adults. Through a variety of workshops, lectures, and screenings, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the art of filmmaking, enhance their skills, and broaden their cultural horizons.

The LET’S DOC Youth Documentary Film Festival, which has previously taken place in other Warsaw cinemas, will move to Suzina Street. This year’s edition will run from April 13-20 at Kinoteka and from April 14 to May 5 on VOD Warszawa.

A Venue for Intimate Cultural Events

The new Tęcza Cinema will not only screen films but also serve as a cultural hub hosting a variety of events such as exhibitions, concerts, author meetings, and workshops. Its functional foyer and summer courtyard will provide a space for interaction and community gatherings for Żoliborz residents and culture enthusiasts.

The cinema will also welcome collaborations with local artists and creators, offering them a platform to present their works, projects, and artistic endeavors. This collaboration aligns with Tęcza Cinema’s philosophy as a space open to the local community, supporting the cultural development of the district.

Architectural Perspective

Architects Andrzej Kaczmarczyk and Sylwia Bartoszewska from the Kaczmarczyk SC Architectural Office emphasize that their goal was not only to preserve the architectural heritage of the building but also to adapt it to modern needs and accessibility standards.

“The architectural composition of this project is a play of forms and proportions – a cohesive, balanced architecture with modern glass facades at the entrance. We’ve preserved the texture of the plaster and the slender profiles of the glass elements, drawing out the intent of the original designers. Inside, however, the old design – with oppressive ceilings and a cramped staircase – felt restrictive. We’ve ‘opened’ these spaces by introducing a wide skylight to flood the interiors with air and light and redesigned the staircase with a more sculptural form” explained Andrzej Kaczmarczyk.

Tęcza Cinema will be an inclusive space, inviting both residents and creators to engage in a dynamic and safe environment. This concept is reflected in the architecture – the foyer and front café will extend into the street, creating a seamless connection with the neighborhood.

“We are replacing the sheet-metal gate on Suzina Street with glowing, softly illuminated glass doors, behind which a narrow espresso bar will be set up, consciously designed to be slightly compact – like Italian espresso bars – open to the street. Here, anyone can buy a ticket to the cinema” added the architect.

“Given the building’s condition and scale, the initial prospects were not encouraging. However, we managed to design a screening room with professional, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment while retaining the atmosphere of a studio cinema. Additionally, the outdoor space has been arranged for open-air screenings. The entrance area on Suzina Street has been transformed into a ‘Viennese café,’ where passersby can enjoy a quick espresso alongside the ‘sgraffito’ depiction of Andrzej Wajda and his notes. We’ve created the illusion of spatial depth, framed by a skylight above the freely suspended staircase in the lobby. The elegant proportions of the modernist architecture have been brought to the Forefront – all within a compact 600 square meters” explained Sylwia Bartoszewska.

The project “Modernization of the Tęcza Cinema for the needs of the Wajda Film Centre” was co-financed by the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.