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Zoo Palast: Berlin's Iconic Cinema

Experience cinematic history at Berlin's Zoo Palast, a landmark theater blending classic charm with cutting-edge technology.

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The Zoo Palast is a historic cinema in Berlin, celebrated for its grand architecture and role as a key venue for the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) from 1957 to 1999. Following extensive renovations, it reopened in 2013, blending its original 1950s charm with modern technology.

A brief summary to Zoo Palast

Local tips

  • Arrive early to enjoy the full cinema experience, including the stylish lounge and bar area.
  • Check the schedule for films screened in their original language (OV).
  • Take advantage of the discounted parking offered at the Parkhaus am Zoo by showing your cinema ticket.
  • Consider visiting on a Sunday for special family-friendly tariffs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Zoo Palast is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U-Bahn (U1, U2, U9, or U12), S-Bahn (S3, S5, S7, S9), or regional trains (RE1, RE2, RE7, RE8) to Zoologischer Garten station. From there, it's a short walk to the cinema. Numerous bus lines (100, 106, 109, 200, 245, M45, M46, M49, X9, X10, X34) also stop nearby. A single ticket within Berlin AB zone costs €3.80 , a short trip ticket is €2.60.

  • Walking

    From the Zoologischer Garten train station, exit towards Hardenbergstraße. Walk along Hardenbergstraße for a few minutes; the Zoo Palast will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. Breitscheidplatz and Kurfürstendamm are also within easy walking distance.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Berlin. A short taxi ride from a nearby location, such as Kurfürstendamm or Potsdamer Platz, will cost approximately €10-€15. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. Note that ride-sharing prices may vary depending on demand.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking garages are located near the Zoo Palast, including Parkhaus am Zoo (Kantstr. 8-10, Hardenbergstr. 25), Contipark Tiefgarage Kranzlereck (Kantstr. 160), and Parkhaus Europa-Center (Nürnberger Str. 5-7). Hourly parking rates typically range from €2.50, with daily maximums around €20. The Parkhaus am Zoo offers a discount to Zoo Palast guests; present your parking ticket at the cinema's checkroom.

Unlock the Best of Zoo Palast

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Discover more about Zoo Palast

Located near the Berlin Zoo in the City West district, the Zoo Palast has been a significant cultural landmark since its opening in 1957. Built on the site of the former Ufa-Palast am Zoo, it quickly became Berlin's most important movie theater and the home of the Berlinale. The cinema's architecture, featuring an oval ceiling with integrated spotlights that created a starry sky effect, impressed both film stars and moviegoers. From 1957 to 1999, the Zoo Palast served as the central competition cinema for the Berlinale, hosting major film premieres and welcoming national and international stars. After being taken over in 1994 and eventually closing in 2010, the cinema was acquired by Hans-Joachim Flebbe, who meticulously planned its restoration. The Zoo Palast reopened in November 2013 after a two-year renovation, combining its traditional aesthetics with modern premium cinema comforts. Today, the Zoo Palast features seven auditoriums, three of which were newly built in the style of 1950s film theaters. The cinema is equipped with modern technology, including 4K HFR laser double projection and Dolby Atmos sound systems. The Zoo Palast continues to host film premieres and has once again become a venue for the Berlin Film Festival since 2014.

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