Cinema "Urania" / Cinema "Kultura"
Buildings/The building of the cinema "Urania" was built according to the design of the architect Kiril Zernovski 1936-1937. It is located in the central core of the city, near the House of the Army and Macedonia Street. The architect's modern approach, closely aligned with Expressionism in its architectural expression, is evident in the refined façade treatment, without ornaments, in favor of systematic articulation of the façade volumes. The building follows the block line with a corner treatment, accentuated by a wavy form intersected by a horizontal slab functioning as a canopy, symbolically extending towards the main entrance.
For aesthetic reasons, as well as proper parceling of the block in relation to the planned square, the building's façade is set back to the boundary line. The entrance section is oriented towards the planned, yet unbuilt, square and is further emphasized by the design of the façade above it, featuring characteristic vertical elements in various colors by which the building is recognized.
At the back of the building, oriented towards the inner part of the block, the volume of the cinema hall is visibly highlighted and easily recognizable.
Architect Kiril Zernovski
Year of design 1936
Investor / Owner Nikifor Kostikj
City / Municipality Skopje
/ Centar
Address Luj Paster St. No. 3
Floors B+GF+2
Original typology
Current purpose
Protection status not protected
- Building chronology (project, construction phases)In 1933, a project was designed by the architect Ivan Artemushkin. In 1936, a project was designed by the architect Kiril Zhernovski. The building was constructed during the period from 1936 to 1937. In 1978, a conceptual design for adaptation and interior arrangement was prepared.Number of floorsB+GF+2Program description (floor plan details)There are technical rooms in the basement. The ground floor houses a lobby, dressing rooms, and a cinema hall. On the first floor, there is a foyer, administration offices, and a dressing room, while the second floor includes a waiting room, a cinema operator's room, administration offices, and a gallery.StructureThe building has a skeletal structural system made of reinforced concrete, a coffered floor structure, and brick wall.RoofThe building has a flat roof with an inaccessible terrace.FaçadeThe façade was plastered in two tones. The central area above the main entrance is slightly elevated and accentuated with shallow decoration and metal pilasters that extend from the building's volume.CarpentryThe majority of the windows are made of wood. The central entrance area on the ground floor and the upper floors are lit by windows made of metal profiles.ContextThe building is located in the city center, near Macedonia Street, strategically positioned according to its purpose, as well as the architectural expression. The building is oriented towards the planned square.
- RoofThe building has a flat roof with an inaccessible terrace.FaçadeThe façade is plastered in two tones and granite tiles on the ground floor. The entrance area is emphasized with darker granite tiles.CarpentryThe wooden windows on the upper floors have been replaced with PVC windows, while the metal profiles were kept on the ground floor and in the central area of the upper floors.Exterior conditionpoorExterior authenticitypoorModificationsIntervention in the ground floor corner area – glazing. Change of external carpentry – PVC windows. Construction of a new building outside the original one with a different purpose on the side, closing off part of the facade openings (according to archival photos, it did not exist until 1980).
- The construction of buildings around the object compromises its integrity and disrupts the views to and from it. Furthermore, the building is neglected and at risk of the facade treatment deteriorating, while the walls and carpentry on the ground floor are covered in graffiti.
- not protected
- historical architectural and aesthetic societal/social emotional The building survived the 1963 earthquake and is etched in the city's memory. The building is an early example of the cinema typology and retains its original purpose.
- Considering all the values of the building, its authenticity, and the current condition, a recommendation is made to the relevant authorities for the protection of cultural heritage and other decision-makers, to prepare a report that shall initiate the process of declaring this significant building as a cultural heritage of modern architecture of the first category in the Republic of North Macedonia. Measures should be taken for its conservation/restoration.
- Tokarev, M. (2006). 100 Years of Modern Architecture. Volume Three: The Contribution of Macedonia and Yugoslavia 1918–1990. Grčev, K. (2003). Architectural Styles in Macedonian Architecture from the End of the 19th Century and the Period Between the Two World Wars. Skopje: Institute for Folklore "Marko Cepenkov." State Archives of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje Department. Arch. No. 6.1.306.18.