The aluminium beams of the Plaza Cinema are finally returning to Geneva after a year-long restoration in a specialized workshop near Bulle. They will be reinstalled during May and June, rebuilding the distinctive framework of the historic cinema’s roof. Once this crucial step is completed, the auditorium will begin its final transformation, regaining the brilliance and modernity originally envisioned by architect Marc J. Saugey, ahead of a scheduled reopening in late 2026.
Work on the future Plaza Centre Cinéma is progressing steadily. Following the official inauguration of the Mont-Blanc Centre last November—which now hosts numerous organizations linked to audiovisual production—the renovation of the Plaza is entering a significant and symbolic phase. Damaged in the August 19, 2023 fire, the restored beams are being gradually transported back to Geneva starting this week from the Morand workshops, metal construction specialists based in the heart of Gruyère. Reinstallation is expected to take two months.
A Restoration of High Precision
Aluminum beams of the Plaza cinema being restored in the Morand workshops @nicolaslieber.ch
Following the disaster that ravaged the cinema’s roof, several months of study were required—together with the Geneva Office of Heritage and Sites—to determine whether the beams could be salvaged and repaired. Honorary EPFL professor and federal expert Eugen Brühwiler, who advocated for saving the beams, now welcomes the result, which he says meets—and even exceeds—initial expectations:
“An extraordinary level of precision was achieved, comparable to the workings of fine watchmaking,” states the Swiss expert in historic monuments. “The collaboration between teams led to innovative solutions at every stage.”
Indeed, the engineers from Ingeni and EDMS, together with the Morand Constructions Metalliques SA team, the members of FdMP Architectes—the firm leading the cinema’s renovation—worked hand in hand to recreate the original aluminium components. Drawing from architect Saugey’s archives and from the writings of then chief engineer Michel Cosandey, the teams had to step outside their comfort zones, experimenting with new methods while often turning to traditional techniques dictated by the materials and technical achievements of the era.
“In the end, over 70% of the historic structure has been preserved—and over 90% if we consider only the parts that will be visible to future audiences. This is a major achievement by all the teams involved,” says Jean-Pierre Greff, President of the Plaza Foundation. He adds: “The beams are among the most remarkable technical feats of Geneva-born architect Marc J. Saugey, who worked closely with his trusted civil engineer, Pierre Froidevaux. Both in terms of material, monumental scale, and assembly process, these construction profiles represent a groundbreaking accomplishment for their time and lend the cinema hall its truly unique visual identity.”
To recap: the structure comprises six large aluminium trusses, each ten meters high and twenty-five meters long. Intentionally left exposed, these load-bearing elements evoke both the futuristic aesthetic of a spacecraft and the organic form of a shell.
Honoring and enhancing Saugey’s architectural legacy, the cinema renovation will be completed by the end of 2026. The main hall will feature 500 seats on the ground floor and 100 in the balcony area, which will connect directly to the future brasserie. Echoing Saugey’s flowing architectural language, the entire complex—from the brasserie to the exhibition halls, immersive room, and cinema-hotel—will function as an interconnected cultural and social hub, bringing the future Plaza Centre Cinéma to life.
The Plaza Centre Cinéma Comes to Life
Installation by artist Christian Robert-Tissot on the Plaza sign, winter 2024-2025 @nicolaslieber.ch
The Plaza Centre Cinéma project, launched in 2019, is rapidly coming to life with the formation of its core teams. As recently announced, Fabien Gaffez will take up his role as General and Artistic Director in September. He will be responsible for developing the programming of both the cinema and the cultural center. At the same time, the hospitality side of the project is now taking shape with the arrival of Sylvain Renevey, who will oversee the creation of Brasserie Europe, Nuits Blanches cinema-hotel, and the Bar Glacier coffee shop—welcoming venues that will enhance the appeal of this emerging cultural hub in the heart of Geneva.
As the project enters a decisive phase, Jean-Pierre Greff, President of the Plaza Foundation, shares his enthusiasm:
“Turning this one-of-a-kind heritage building in Geneva into a place where every resident can come to watch—or rewatch—films, enjoy immersive or more traditional experiences, or simply spend time day or night—thanks to our cinema-hotel—is a dream that is steadily becoming reality. Excitement is building, but the teams are working tirelessly to bring this ambitious project to life, one that aims to shine well beyond the city’s borders.”