Kino Lucerna, the Czech Republic’s oldest movie theater still in operation, is beginning a new chapter by joining the Aerokin network—an alliance of independent cinemas in Prague and beyond known for their innovative programming and shared resources.
The transition brings Kino Lucerna under the same umbrella as Kino Aero, Kino Světozor, Bio Oko, and Kino Přítomnost in Prague, as well as cinemas in Brno and Hradec Králové. While the move signals operational changes, Lucerna’s team says the core identity and atmosphere of the 115-year-old institution will remain intact.
Partnership aims to blend tradition with innovation
The integration into the Aerokin network offers Kino Lucerna access to new tools, collaborative programming, and a wider network of film enthusiasts. According to the new programming director, Jana Trnková—who also curates Kino Světozor—the aim is to preserve Lucerna’s legacy while enriching its offerings.
“Viewers don’t need to worry that Lucerna will lose its unique character or favorite film cycles and festivals,” Trnková said. “On the contrary, we will keep what audiences love while also introducing new formats that will broaden our program.”
The cinema’s new affiliation with Aerokin allows it to adopt shared resources in dramaturgy, operations, and marketing. That includes the Aerokin loyalty program, Kinokarta, which is now accepted at Kino Lucerna, and a redesigned website launched in tandem with the transition.
While the ownership of Lucerna Café remains unchanged, the two entities plan to continue close collaboration on festivals, special events, and screenings.
“This partnership opens up exciting possibilities for us while allowing Lucerna to retain what makes it special,” said Filip Schauer, Kino Lucerna’s operations director. Schauer has worked at the cinema for more than eight years and emphasized that while the operational transition has been ongoing for some time, visible changes for visitors are only now being introduced.
A legacy cinema with eyes on the future
Established in 1909, Kino Lucerna is not only the oldest still-functioning cinema in the Czech Republic, but one of the oldest in the world. Its large screening hall, which seats 453 viewers, as well as an intimate 51-seat chamber cinema, continue to host premieres, retrospectives, and festival screenings.
The cinema is housed in Prague’s historic Lucerna Palace, a cultural and architectural landmark built by the Havel family in the early 20th century. The venue has long been associated with both national and international film milestones and remains a key player in the city’s cultural landscape.
According to Filip Štědrý, director of Lucerna Palace, bringing Lucerna into the Aerokin network is part of a broader effort to revitalize the entire complex. “This is one of the first steps in reactivating the Lucerna Palace as a 21st-century cultural and social center, building on its rich heritage,” he said.
Aerokin began with Kino Aero in 1998 and has grown into a collective of cinemas that prioritize film culture, experimentation, and audience engagement. Each member maintains a distinct character, but the strength of the group lies in its collaboration. The addition of Kino Lucerna represents an opportunity to combine historic prestige with modern sensibilities.
Lead photo: Kino Lucerna interior via Facebook / Kino Lucerna
