• MCJ publishes the tender document for a new phase of comprehensive rehabilitation
• Investment for the third stage will be ₡630 million
San José, Costa Rica. The historic Cine-Teatro Variedades, a symbol of Costa Rica’s cinematic and cultural memory, is advancing in its recovery process. The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) published this Friday the tender document to begin the third stage of comprehensive rehabilitation of the property, an intervention of ₡630 million that will allow the transformation of the emblematic building to continue into a contemporary, accessible, and technologically equipped cultural space.
The reception of bids will begin on Tuesday, May 19, and the opening of proposals will take place on June 1 at 9:01 a.m. Meanwhile, the technical visit for those interested in participating in the process has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m.
The new stage will make it possible to carry out a comprehensive intervention primarily aimed at the rehabilitation of the property, as well as specific actions for the restoration and conservation of original historical elements, such as mosaic floors and the staircases providing access to the balconies.
“Recovering Cine Variedades is giving back to Costa Rica a space deeply connected to our cultural and cinematic memory. This project brings together heritage, technology, and access to culture so that Variedades can once again be a meeting point for creation, coexistence, and cultural enjoyment for future generations,” expressed Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth.
Likewise, the project will incorporate new electrical, mechanical, acoustic, technological, and human safety systems, respecting heritage conservation criteria and minimal intervention.
“This third stage will allow the consolidation of the comprehensive recovery of the property, incorporating contemporary solutions necessary for its cultural functioning, while maintaining respect for the historical elements that give it heritage value. The objective is to ensure that Cine Variedades preserves its architectural essence while responding to current needs for accessibility, safety, and cultural use,” said José Fernando Madrigal, director of the Cultural Heritage Directorate.
Among the planned improvements are universal accessibility conditions, climate control, soundproofing, evacuation systems, and comfort for the public. As part of the architectural optimization, the incorporation of an access ramp to the second level is also planned, a solution that will improve mobility within the building.
This third stage continues the work already carried out on the building’s façade and the most representative historical elements of the structure, strengthening its presence as an urban and cultural landmark in the center of the capital.
Cine Variedades, considered the oldest heritage building dedicated to cinema and performing arts in Costa Rica, aims to once again project itself as a living space for cinema, audiovisual arts, cultural gatherings, and new dynamics of artistic training and circulation. The project is promoted by the MCJ, the Costa Rican Center for Cinema and Audiovisual, and the Cultural Heritage Directorate.
Previous stages of intervention at Cine Variedades
The recovery process of Cine-Teatro Variedades has been progressively developed through different stages promoted by the Ministry.
The first stage was carried out in 2024 with an investment of ₡88.7 million. It included structural recovery work and roofing, replacement of roofs, gutters, and sheet metal, replacement of wooden pieces, installation of thermo-acoustic insulation, and ceiling repairs.
The second stage was completed in 2025, with a budget of ₡187 million for the advanced architectural restoration of the property, including restoration of internal and external façades, replacement of wooden structures, restoration of stamped metal, and installation of fire-retardant materials. Additionally, ₡130 million were allocated for the building’s electromechanical design.
A fourth phase of equipment and final habilitation remains to be executed, with which the Ministry of Culture and Youth plans to reopen Cine Variedades next year as a space dedicated to cinema, audiovisual arts, and cultural gathering, returning to San José one of its most emblematic heritage buildings.
