Kino Arsenal
Cinema in Wedding
The Arsenal cinema is one of Berlin’s leading venues for sophisticated cinema. Since May 2026, this long-established arthouse cinema has called the silent green Kulturquartier in Wedding its new home. The programme features international film history, auteur cinema, experimental works, retrospectives and rarely screened films – often shown in their original language and regularly accompanied by discussions, introductions or guest appearances.
A cinema for discoveries
If you’re looking for more than just the latest blockbusters at the cinema, the Arsenal is the place for you. The programme focuses on film as an art form and a form of cultural memory: classics are juxtaposed with contemporary works, experimental cinema sits alongside major retrospectives and films that are otherwise rarely seen on a Berlin screen.
Among the recurring series is the Magical History Tour, which explores film history from ever-changing perspectives. In addition, the Arsenal focuses on individual directors, historical and political contexts, and questions of film aesthetics. Children’s programmes, premieres, artist residencies and events featuring live music also form part of the programme.
The new Arsenal cinema at silent green
Since 3 May 2026, the cinema has been located in the Westhalle of the silent green Kulturquartier. This means that the cinema, archive, distribution arm and the activities surrounding the Berlinale Forum and Forum Expanded are, for the first time, brought together at a single cultural venue in Wedding. Previously, the Arsenal had been based at Potsdamer Platz for more than two decades; in 2025, it toured various venues under the name ‘Arsenal on Location’.
The new cinema auditorium combines historic film culture with modern projection technology. It can screen all standard analogue formats, from 8 mm through 16 and 35 mm to 70 mm, as well as digital films using a 4K DCP projector. Dolby Atmos is available for sound, amongst other options, and there is a piano in the auditorium for silent film screenings with live accompaniment. According to the latest information from the Arsenal, the cinema has 169 seats.
More than just an arthouse cinema
Behind the cinema is the Arsenal Filminstitut e.V., whose work extends far beyond regular cinema operations. The institute comprises an extensive film archive and a film distribution service, as well as educational programmes, workshops and initiatives for children, young people and schools. The Arsenal is also responsible for Forum and Forum Expanded as part of the Berlinale, and is thus closely linked to Berlin’s international film culture.
The archive now comprises more than 10,000 titles. It is precisely this combination of archiving, preservation, research, educational outreach and public screenings that makes the Arsenal a special venue within Berlin’s cinema landscape.
What makes the Arsenal cinema special
- Art house cinema rather than blockbusters: the programme is characterised by international film history, avant-garde cinema, auteur cinema and experimental works.
- Analogue film formats: Screenings are available in 8 mm, 16 mm, 35 mm and even 70 mm.
- Films in context: Introductions, discussions, retrospectives and meetings with filmmakers enrich many screenings.
- Berlinale tradition: The Arsenal Film Institute hosts the Forum and Forum Expanded sections of the Berlin International Film Festival.
- New cultural venue: Since May 2026, the cinema has been located in the silent green Kulturquartier in Wedding.
- No adverts: The Arsenal shows neither cinema adverts nor trailers before screenings.
Our tips for your visit
- Address: Kino Arsenal, Plantagenstraße 30, 13347 Berlin
- Public transport: S-Bahn Ring Wedding; U6 Wedding and U6/U9 Leopoldplatz; also buses M27 and 247 to Martha-Ndumbe-Platz/S Wedding, and bus 120 to Gerichtstraße.
- Admission: standard 10 euros, concessions 8 euros; further discounts are available for members, children and Berlin-Ticket S holders, amongst others.
- Accessibility: The cinema is fully accessible. Two wheelchair spaces and a wheelchair-accessible toilet are available.
- Tickets: Tickets can be booked in advance via the Arsenal’s online booking system.
Tip: If you’re looking to discover unusual films, don’t just pick individual titles – take a look at the monthly programmes and retrospectives too. It’s the curated programme and the link between film screenings, the archive and discussions that make a visit to the Arsenal a special Berlin cinema experience.