Zurich’s former Uto cinema is slated to become a board game café, offering a “analog counterpoint” to digital entertainment, according to the Dubischdra AG, the company behind the project. The announcement, made Wednesday, signals a new use for the historic building, which closed its doors as a cinema in March 2024.
The café will house a collection of over 1,500 board and card games, and will offer instruction from “Game Gurus” to help patrons navigate the rules, Dubischdra AG stated. Alongside the gaming options, the café will serve coffee, snacks, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
The transformation of the Uto is described as a “sensitive renovation” by the developers, respecting the architectural integrity of the building. The former foyer, including its historic ticket counter, will serve as a reception area, while the main auditorium will be dedicated to gaming space. Lounges and tables will cater to a range of gaming enthusiasts, including those interested in trading card games, role-playing games, and miniature wargaming.
The Uto’s closure, along with that of the Alba cinema, had prompted debate about the future of the properties. While plans for a climbing wall at the Uto were initially submitted to city authorities, the potential developers later withdrew their application. The Alba cinema, located on Zähringerstrasse, is now planned to be converted into a capsule hotel, with an opening scheduled for early 2027.
The future of another Zurich cinema, the Corso at Bellevue, remains uncertain. The city has terminated its contract with the current operator, with a desire to establish an “event house” on the site. However, proposals from both left- and right-leaning factions within the city parliament are currently under consideration.
The Uto’s conversion to a board game café is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
