Kino Tapio

Kino Tapio, currently known as Elokuvateatterikeskus Tapio, is a four-screen cinema located on Kauppakatu in the centre of Joensuu, Finland. It is owned by the regional cinema company Savon Kinot. The original theatre opened on 29 November 1927 under the name Oy Elävienkuvien Teatteri Tapio, making it one of Finland's oldest cinemas still operating in its original purpose. The opening film was Ei auta itku markkinoilla, directed by Uuno Eskola. Savon Kinot has managed the theatre since 1990. In 2005, three new screens were built in connection with the old theatre, forming the Elokuvateatterikeskus Tapio complex. The original auditorium is now known as Tapio 2. The largest screen, Tapio 1, was renovated in August 2018 with new seats, lighting, surface materials, and a Dolby Atmos sound system. The renovation was designed by Jaana Partanen and Heikki Lamusuo. Their office also designed the renovation of Tapio 2, completed in 2022, which included new seats, wall acoustics, and restoration of the hall's original light fixtures. In summer 2023, a lobby and entrance renovation by the same office was completed, expanding the lobby by 30 square metres and relocating ticket sales to the entrance. The old theatre building's plastered exterior wall was incorporated into the extension's interior. The 1927 theatre building represents 1920s classicism and is protected. It is listed as a regionally significant built cultural environment site. In the North Karelia regional plan's cultural environment survey, the building is described as a rare example of a building designed as a standalone cinema in the 1920s that has been preserved in its original use. As of 2026, Savon Kinot reported a total of 531 seats, including a seven-seat glass-walled balcony box in Tapio 1. Tapio 1 has Dolby Atmos sound and a 4K laser projector; other screens have Dolby Digital sound. Tapio 3 can screen 3D films. All screens have induction loops and wheelchair spaces. The original Tapio 2 has a stalls and balcony layout with a stage platform in front of the screen. The cinema hosts the November Rokumentti music film festival, organised by Joensuun Popmuusikot, and has also hosted screenings of the Cinemare film event. It has served as a venue for the film industry event Cineman, which includes film screenings, distributor presentations, and industry seminars. A newspaper advertisement in Karjalainen on 29 November 1927 announced the opening: "We respectfully announce that today our theatre opens and the opening performance from 29/11 to 2/12 will be the fast-paced, powerful and love-defying domestic film novelty 'Ei auta itku markkinoilla'. Performances begin on weekdays at 6 pm, Sundays at 2 pm. Trio music from the start of performances at 10 pm. We close our new theatre to the favour of the esteemed audience."

Kino Tapio opened on 29 November 1927 as Oy Elävienkuvien Teatteri Tapio. The opening film was Ei auta itku markkinoilla, directed by Uuno Eskola. A newspaper advertisement in Karjalainen on the opening day announced the event and described the film as a "fast-paced, powerful and love-defying domestic film novelty." The theatre building, completed in 1927, represents 1920s classicism and is protected as a regionally significant built cultural environment. It is considered a rare example of a building designed specifically as a cinema in the 1920s that has remained in its original use. Savon Kinot has been responsible for the theatre's operations since 1990. In 2005, three new screens were built in connection with the old theatre, creating the Elokuvateatterikeskus Tapio complex. The original auditorium became Tapio 2. The largest screen, Tapio 1, underwent a major renovation in August 2018, which included new seats, lighting, surface materials, and the installation of a Dolby Atmos sound system. The renovation was designed by Jaana Partanen and Heikki Lamusuo. Their office also designed the renovation of Tapio 2, completed in 2022, which renewed seats and wall acoustics and restored the hall's original light fixtures. In summer 2023, a lobby and entrance renovation designed by the same office was completed, expanding the lobby by 30 square metres and moving ticket sales to the entrance. The old theatre building's plastered exterior wall was preserved as part of the extension's interior. As of 2026, the cinema has a total of 531 seats, including a seven-seat glass-walled balcony box in Tapio 1. Tapio 1 features Dolby Atmos sound and a 4K laser projector. Other screens have Dolby Digital sound. Tapio 3 can screen 3D films. All screens have induction loops and wheelchair spaces. The original Tapio 2 has a stalls and balcony layout with a stage platform in front of the screen. The cinema hosts the Rokumentti music film festival each November, organised by Joensuun Popmuusikot, and has also hosted screenings of the Cinemare film event. It has served as a venue for the film industry event Cineman, which includes film screenings, distributor presentations, and industry seminars.

• 2023

  Lobby and entrance renovation completed, expanding lobby by 30 square metres.

• 2022

  Tapio 2 renovation completed, including new seats, wall acoustics, and restored original light fixtures.

• 2018

  Tapio 1 renovated with new seats, lighting, and Dolby Atmos sound system.

• 2005

  Three new screens are built, forming Elokuvateatterikeskus Tapio; original hall becomes Tapio 2.

• 1990

  Savon Kinot takes over the theatre's operations.

• 1927

  Kino Tapio opens on 29 November as Oy Elävienkuvien Teatteri Tapio, with opening film Ei auta itku markkinoilla.

Historic, protected cinema in Joensuu offering modern amenities while preserving its 1920s heritage.

• Tapio 1

  Largest screen with Dolby Atmos sound and 4K laser projector, includes a seven-seat glass-walled balcony box.

• Tapio 2

  Original 1927 auditorium with stalls and balcony, stage platform, and restored original light fixtures.

• Tapio 3

  Screen capable of 3D film presentations.

• Tapio 4

  Additional screen (part of the four-screen complex).

1. 1Kino Tapio - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2Kino Tapio - Finnish Wikipediafi.wikipedia.org
3. 3Elokuvateatterikeskus Tapio - Savon Kinotsavonkinot.fi