Transformation of the Soviet Tselinny Cinema in Almaty into a Contemporary Arts Center
The city of Almaty has witnessed the revival of one of its most notable Soviet modernist landmarks. The former “Tselinny” cinema, now known as the Tselinny Center Almaty, has been converted into a contemporary arts center. The project strikes a balance between preserving the identity of the past and integrating the needs of the present.
The Original Building
Architects built the cinema in the heart of the city as the largest movie theater in Central Asia during the Soviet period. They designed it with a monumental concrete mass and a soaring hall rising over eighteen meters high.The façade carried the hallmarks of modernist architecture, with prominent murals by artist Evgeny Sidorkin that embedded visual art into the architectural fabric of the time.
Philosophy of the Transformation
Rather than demolish, the design team focused on reinforcing and adapting the existing structure. They strengthened the main auditorium and redesigned the foyer and side wings to meet seismic and safety standards. The architects reshaped the façade using fiber-reinforced concrete panels, adding undulating vertical fins inspired by Kazakhstan’s ancient petroglyphs, blending symbolic heritage with contemporary expression.
Restoring the Artwork
A highlight of the process was the rediscovery of the original murals, long hidden from view.Conservators carefully restored large sections, while they deliberately left damaged areas visible to testify to the passage of time and the building’s layered history
New Spatial Functions
Beyond its central auditorium, the building now accommodates diverse cultural spaces. These include exhibition halls, a library, educational areas, and open zones for interaction. A rooftop terrace has been introduced, offering panoramic views of the city. This addition provides a new dimension to the visitor’s experience.
This transformation demonstrates how architects can successfully reimagine large modernist structures, using the former Tselinny cinema as a case study. It does so through an architectural approach that respects history while responding to the cultural needs of today.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This article reviews the transformation of Almaty’s “Tselinny” cinema into a contemporary arts center. It highlights how architects revived a monumental modernist structure while preserving its identity. The images emphasize reinforced concrete façades with undulating fins inspired by Kazakh petroglyphs. Meanwhile, the towering auditorium conveys a strong sense of spatial depth. Yet, one may question whether the design fully addresses long-term adaptability within the city’s evolving urban fabric. Still, the restoration of the original murals offers cultural resonance, ensuring that the project preserves memory. This enables a renewed architectural narrative.
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