When the third-generation owners of Athens' beloved Athinaion cinema decided to transform their historic venue from a two-screen neighbourhood cinema into a modern four-screen premium destination, they turned to CinemaNext to deliver a complete technical solution that would match their ambitious vision. The renovation, completed in autumn 2025, represents one of the most comprehensive cinema upgrades in recent Greek history – and CinemaNext was there every step of the way, providing everything from projection and sound to screens, seating, and even the carpet under moviegoers' feet.
A Complete Technical Transformation
"This wasn't just about installing new equipment," explains Gregory Stavropoulos, Cinema Sales & Project Manager from CinemaNext Greece, who managed the installation. "The Athinaion family wanted to create an experience that could compete with any modern multiplex whilst honouring the cinema's 60-year heritage. That meant rethinking every technical aspect of the venue."
CinemaNext's scope covered the full spectrum of cinema technology:
Projection Systems: All four screens received new Barco projectors with premium High Contrast lens configurations, along with our proprietary P-SBOX hushbox systems and motorised lifts manufactured at our Spanish factory. The flagship Screen 1 features the Barco Laser DP4K-36 BLP projector with ICMP-X server, whilst the remaining screens utilise optimised setups for their specific dimensions with BARCO Series 4 Laser projectors, including premium BARCO 3D system in Screen 4.
Dolby Atmos Installation: Screen 1 now boasts a full Dolby Atmos system – still relatively rare in the Greek market. The installation included a Dolby CP950A processor, JBL Screen Array Cinema speakers with custom mounting brackets, and multiple QSC/JBL amplifiers to power the immersive audio experience. CinemaNext handled the complete Atmos design and technical drawings to ensure optimal sound distribution throughout the auditorium.
Screen Technology: All screens and frames came from our manufacturing facility in Spain, with Screen 1's impressive 10.95m x 4.66m Harkness Matt Plus surface supported by our modular P-Screen Frame V3 system, featuring both straight and curved modules for optimal viewing geometry.
Premium Seating: Working with our partner Infinity Seating, CinemaNext supplied bespoke Storm sofas and armchairs across three screens, complete with scatter cushions, walnut side tables, and custom embroidered seat numbering. The carefully selected Alvar fabrics in complementary tones (from warm terracotta to deep burgundy and charcoal) create distinct atmospheres in each auditorium. We also provided Balsan Serenity carpet in coordinating colours to complete the premium aesthetic.
Meeting Modern Expectations
The technical challenges were significant. Converting a two-screen venue into four screens whilst installing Atmos required careful acoustic planning and structural coordination. The installation timeline – from initial orders in March 2025 to completion by December – demanded precise project management across multiple European suppliers and manufacturing facilities.
"Greek audiences have become sophisticated," notes Kostas Giannopoulos, one of Athinaion's co-owners. "They've experienced premium cinemas abroad and through streaming at home. We needed technology that could deliver an experience they simply couldn't replicate on their sofas."
The results speak for themselves. Since reopening in December 2025, Athinaion has seen capacity crowds across all four screens, with particular enthusiasm for the Atmos-equipped flagship auditorium. The combination of cutting-edge projection, immersive sound, and boutique-style comfort has resonated with everyone from students to film enthusiasts who remember the cinema's earlier incarnations.
Supporting Independent Cinemas
For CinemaNext, the Athinaion project represents exactly the kind of partnership that drives our business. Independent cinemas like Athinaion are the cultural heart of their communities, but they face enormous competitive pressure from both multiplexes and streaming services. Our role is to give them access to the same world-class technology that the major chains deploy, whilst providing the personalised service and flexibility that allows them to create unique experiences.
"We don't just deliver equipment," Stavropoulos emphasises. "We're helping cinema owners like the Gakas and Giannopoulos families compete and thrive in a challenging market. Every technical choice – from the projector specifications to the speaker placement – was made with their specific audience and business model in mind."
The Athinaion renovation also showcases CinemaNext's end-to-end capabilities, from our Spanish manufacturing facilities producing screens and hushboxes, to our relationships with premium partners like Barco, Dolby, JBL, Infinity Seating, and Balsan. Managing complex multi-vendor projects is where we add real value for cinema operators who want a single point of contact rather than coordinating a dozen different suppliers.
A Model for the Future
As streaming services continue to reshape entertainment consumption, projects like Athinaion demonstrate that there's still a powerful appetite for the shared cinema experience – provided the experience justifies leaving home. The new generation running Athinaion understands this instinctively, having worked in UK cinema chains and seen firsthand how Gen Z audiences still flock to venues that offer something special.
The renovation proves that heritage doesn't mean obsolescence. With the right technical infrastructure, classic independent cinemas can not only survive but thrive, offering experiences that multiplex chains struggle to match in terms of atmosphere and personal touch.
For CinemaNext, supporting these transformations across Europe is what we do best. Whether it's a historic Athens cinema or a modern multiplex, our goal remains the same: delivering the technology and expertise that keeps audiences coming back to the big screen.
The Athinaion cinema is located at Vasilisis Sofias 124 in Athens' Ambelokipi district. For more information about CinemaNext's cinema solutions, visit cinemanext.com
Historic Athens Cinema Transformed: How CinemaNext Helped Bring Athinaion into the Modern Era