A cinema with almost 80 years of history has been transformed into one of the coolest spots in the city centre.
Come for the film, stay for a drink. That is the thinking behind the fully renovated Cinobo Opera on Akadimias Street, which has reopened after six months with three new screening rooms and BAR 2046 hidden away somewhere in its foyer.
The cinema promises more than 70 screenings every week across three upgraded auditoriums, each with its own distinctive character and atmosphere. And the experience does not stop at the screening rooms. There is still the classic cinema concession stand serving the familiar snacks everyone reaches for during a film, but behind a heavy curtain sits a speakeasy-style bar, BAR 2046, which immediately shifts the mood. It is one of the details that sets Cinobo Opera apart from the other cinemas in central Athens.
THE STORY OF THE CINEMA
The historic venue in central Athens first opened in 1948 as a cinema and theatre. From 1986, when Odeon took over its operation, it continued exclusively as a cinema. In the years that followed, it became a key destination for Athens’ film-loving public and city-centre crowd, until early 2023, when it nearly closed for good.
In December 2023, Cinobo “saved” the venue and took over the cinema’s reopening at a time when several operators were reportedly interested in converting it into a theatre. The Cinobo team upgraded the technical equipment, renovated the striking foyer and bar, and ensured that the venue became the only wheelchair-accessible cinema auditorium in central Athens.
Over the following seasons, its programme included major films, retrospectives, special events, high-profile premieres, original exhibitions, and both contemporary and classic Greek and international cinema. It also welcomed back the Athens International Film Festival, known as Opening Nights, after several years away.
Today, the three auditoriums are distinguished by colour: the green auditorium seats 332, the blue 108 and the red 123.
BAR 2046
Cinobo Opera now has a bar of its own. At the cinematic BAR 2046, signature cocktails and carefully selected drinks will be served, while each evening’s music and vinyl selections will help shape the identity of a space unlike any other in Athens.
BAR 2046 is not intended simply as a stop before or after a film, but as a natural continuation of the cinema experience. It is open daily from 18:00 to 02:00, with guest DJ sets and a dedicated menu, while entry is free and no cinema ticket is required. BAR 2046 launches with a food menu and music by Burger Disco Club.
