Debrecen4U
September 9, 2026
Renovated Main Auditorium Reopens at Apolló Cinema
The walls and ceiling of the Mihály Kertész Auditorium have been given a completely new look, while modern rows of seats provide greater comfort for audiences. As part of the renovation, the screen has also been replaced, meaning that the iconic auditorium of Debrecen’s oldest cinema now meets 21st-century requirements.
The 114-year-old cinema’s Mihály Kertész Auditorium last underwent a major renovation in 1997, and the auditorium had become worn over the past three decades. The rows of seats were removed, while specialists carried out painting and sanding work. “As you can see, about 80 per cent of this building had to be stripped back. There had been significant damp problems, and it was clear that the building had not been renovated for many, many years,” said János Koszó, Managing Director of Cinema Szeged Kft.
During the renovation, a new seamless curved screen was installed. The flooring was completely refurbished, and the seats were installed on a tiered platform system. The new seats are larger and more comfortable, and the distance between the rows has also been increased. As a result, the Mihály Kertész Auditorium now has 140 seats instead of the previous 175. “Following the principle of quality over quantity, every seat now offers a perfect view of the screen. You can see the bottom of the screen from every seat, even if a tall person is sitting in front of you and you are shorter. The auditorium has therefore been designed so that, although we have only 140 seats, every one of them is exclusive and high-quality, with an excellent view of the screen,” emphasised Tamás Fejér, Director of Apolló Cinema.
The renovation has created an auditorium that meets 21st-century requirements, while care was taken to preserve the room’s historic atmosphere. For example, the decorative features dating from 1912 have been retained. This is another indication of the important place Apolló holds in the history of the city. “It is a much-loved cinema that has remained in continuous operation throughout the city’s history. Even during the Second World War, throughout those extremely difficult wartime years, Apolló Cinema remained open, albeit operating on a reduced basis. I am proud that a few years ago we were able to renew Apolló externally, and now we have been able to renovate its interior and technical facilities as well,” emphasised Mayor László Papp.
The first people to take their seats in the comfortable new chairs of the renovated auditorium were Apolló Cinema’s regular visitors.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)
