Babylon Kino is a historic cinema located in Berlin's Mitte district, at Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, opposite the Volksbühne theatre. Designed by architect Hans Poelzig, it was constructed between 1928 and 1929 in the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) style, a movement characterized by its functional and unadorned aesthetic.
Originally opened on 11 April 1929 as a silent film cinema, Babylon featured an orchestra pit and a cinema organ to accompany screenings. During the GDR era, it served as a specialty cinema, showcasing films from the State Film Archive and state film and television program-makers.
In the 1990s, structural concerns led to the closure of the main auditorium. A comprehensive restoration between 1999 and 2001, adhering to conservation guidelines, revitalized the cinema, earning it the "German Award for Monument Protection" in 2002.
Today, Babylon Kino operates as a revival house and cultural venue, hosting film festivals, musical performances, and literary events. It continues to honor its silent film heritage by offering screenings accompanied by live music, maintaining its status as a cherished institution in Berlin's cinematic landscape.