Olympus Cinema has reopened with significant modernisation and renovations of its facilities.
Olympus was officially reopened by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The building was renovated and modernised as part of the administration’s policy on providing avenues to promote the creative skills and talent of the youth. The project was funded by the government of the Maldives with assistance from the government of India as part of the High Impact Community Development Project.
Speaking at the ceremony of the reopening, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon said Olympus is an important building in the entertainment, arts and music industry of the Maldives. She said Olympus is also an important building that symbolises the relationship between the Maldives and regional countries. She said the modernisation of Olympus was delayed due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties in importing materials, She described the reopening of Olympus will bring a new life to the arts sector in the Maldives.
Moreover, speaking at the ceremony, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Munu Mahawar said that India is proud and pleased to be involved in such an important initiative related to the social development of the Maldives. He also noted that the reopening of Olympus will also provide an opportunity for the two countries to conduct further activities related to art and culture.
Improvements made to the theatre building include the installation of a retractable motorised screen, a modern digital projector, new surround sound and lighting systems, a control room, and the addition of practice rooms and changing rooms. The upgrades to the theatre also include a more spacious café, a backyard stage for small events and concerts, and ramps for wheelchair accessibility.
Opened 64 years ago in 1959, Olympus is the oldest cinema in the Maldives. Since then, the building has paved way for the development of the music, motion picture, and performing arts industries.
