Ghent (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In late 2023, Ghent city council purchased the historic Cinema Rex, built in 1933, for renovation. Open Sundays in September allow free tours to explore its history before updates begin, costing around 5 million euros.
The building is an old cinema that was built in the 1930s. It opened in 1933 and stopped working in 1982. After it closed, the building was empty for a long time. Even though it wasn’t used, the outside and the main hall of the cinema are protected to keep them safe.
Will Ghent’s restored cinema rex become a community hub?
In late 2023, the Ghent city council bought the building and plans to renovate it completely. The goal is to fix it up and update it while keeping its historic features. The renovation will include a lot of work on both the outside and inside of the building to make it modern while still respecting its architectural history. The total cost of the renovation is expected to be around 5 million euros. Once the building is restored, it will have a new purpose in the community, but the exact uses or functions haven’t been decided yet.
Before the renovation of the historic Cinema Rex in Ghent starts, the building is giving people a chance to explore its history. Starting in September, Cinema Rex will be open to visitors every Sunday for free tours. This is a way for the community to enjoy the cinema’s historic charm before the big renovation begins. During these open days, visitors can watch a special film that shows the past and future of Cinema Rex, helping them understand its importance and the planned updates.
The first open day recently happened, and a lot of people showed up to see the cinema’s rich history. The event was very popular, showing that the public cares about preserving and understanding the culture of Cinema Rex. As the building gets ready for its next chapter, these open days give visitors a chance to enjoy its historic charm and build excitement for the upcoming renovations.
