Addis Ababa inaugurates state-of-the-art cinema complex, marking a new chapter for the arts

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – Addis Ababa City Administration has inaugurated and opened for service the Addis Cinema Complex, a 15-story modern cultural facility.

It was stated that the project symbolizes the government’s continued commitment to reviving and advancing the arts sector.

In remarks delivered during the inauguration, Mayor Adanech Abiebie noted that the project reflects the government’s recognition of the arts as a vital component of national development.

She indicated that the city administration has been investing in modern infrastructure to support the growth of creative industries and strengthen the contribution of the arts to economic and social transformation.

The new cinema complex, built on a 24,000-square-meter site, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and facilities designed to serve as a dynamic cultural and recreational hub.

It houses two cinema halls with a total seating capacity of 1,479—comprising 592 seats for children and 887 for adults—along with advanced sound and lighting systems, air conditioning, and a four-level parking garage.

In addition to its cinema halls, the complex includes offices, studios, art galleries, a library, a cafeteria, a supermarket, a restaurant, retail shops, a beauty salon, a bank, ticket offices, and a tour desk.

The premises also feature a children’s playground, a sports field, green areas, and digital screens for advertising, making it a comprehensive venue for arts, entertainment, and community engagement.

The mayor underscored that the development of such modern cultural infrastructure forms part of broader efforts to create an enabling environment for artists and filmmakers.

These initiatives, she added, aim to elevate Ethiopia’s film industry and enhance its visibility on the international stage.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture and Sports Shewit Shanka, Bikila Hurissa, Head of the Public and International Relations Sector of the Prosperity Party, as well as senior federal and city officials, and members of the arts community.

With its blend of creativity, modern design, and community space, the Addis Cinema Complex is expected to become a landmark institution in the capital — a symbol of the city’s cultural renaissance and its vision to position Addis Ababa as a leading center for art and creativity in Ethiopia, it was mentioned.