The launch of the Jičín cinema is postponed, it may open in June

Projektový ateliér David, s. r. o.

Jičín - The reconstructed Biograph Český ráj in Jičín could be opened to the public in mid-June. The cinema renovation, which started last spring, is behind schedule. Compared to the original estimate, the cost of the project has also increased, said Jan Jireš, spokesman for the city council. "Right now, the most common date being mentioned is June 14, but the date is not yet definitive, so it's about 90 percent," he said.

Just a month ago, the city council mentioned a possible opening at the end of May. The inspection is scheduled for May 21. "It will depend on how the inspection goes," Jireš said.

The city council approved more funds for the cinema repairs at its last meeting. Additional work emerged that the original project documentation could not foresee, Jireš stated. The price has increased by about half a million crowns to the current 39.7 million crowns excluding VAT. The reconstruction is becoming more expensive, for example due to adjustments in the supply of audiovisual technology or changes in alarm and security systems. The price has already increased several times due to unexpected construction modifications from the original 35.4 million crowns excluding VAT.

The timeline for the cinema's operation has also been pushed back several times. In the past, one reason was that the city decided to repair the social facilities on the first floor, procure a new screen and curtain structure, and more comfortable seats. The facade adjustments were also delayed due to cold weather.

The cinema renovation is currently the largest investment project in the seventeen-thousand-inhabitant town. The renovated building is set to resemble its original appearance from the 1920s. The appearance of the building was disrupted after World War II by numerous insensitive interventions and extensions. After the reconstruction, the hall capacity is expected to decrease from 310 to 185 seats. The projection booth will be moved, and the foyer will be expanded to the upper floor. The project also includes adjustments to the surrounding public spaces and an expansion of the parking lot.

This year, a time capsule made from plumbing fittings was buried in the biograph, containing a message for future generations. It includes, among other things, a flash drive with complete documentation of the cinema, copies of the Jičín newsletter, selected press releases from the town, and tourist stamps.

Before reconstruction, Biograph Český ráj was the most visited single-screen cinema in the Hradec Králové Region, with an annual attendance of over 30,000 people.