Gothenburg‘s Hagabion Cinema forced to Close Indefinitely Due to structural Concerns
Gothenburg, Sweden – Hagabion, a beloved autonomous cinema in Gothenburg, has been forced to suspend operations indefinitely after structural investigations revealed significant deterioration of the roof at its Viktoriahuset location. The closure impacts not only film screenings but also administrative functions and member activities.
The evacuation of the Viktoriahuset, owned by Higab, follows initial estimates of an 18-month renovation timeline, which Higab now says will be reassessed following more detailed investigations. While higab aims to restore the building for its tenants, Hagabion’s immediate future is uncertain. The cinema is temporarily relocating administrative operations and member meetings to Skeppsbron, but the space is unsuitable for film exhibition. The restaurant housed within the building is also pausing operations, both businesses facing ample losses.
“It is incredibly tragic what has happened, but our biggest ambition is that we should have a safe and good house for our tenants to work for over time,” stated Mirja Primo, head of Higab’s property management.
Hagabion is responding to the closure with a ”kick out” festival this weekend, featuring film, a book release, and conversations with prominent figures including Lisa Langseth, Tarik Saleh, and Tomas von Brömssen.
“We can’t close with a sigh. We close with a cry about how critically important we are,” said Gunnar Bergdahl,representing Hagabion.
The situation echoes concerns raised in a recent Dagens Nyheter report detailing the risk of roof collapse at the Viktoriahuset.
Photo: Veronika Ljung-Nielsen
