The City of Zwolle and film theatre Fraterhuis have selected Mecanoo as the lead architect for the design of the new Fraterhuis. Located in the Broerenkwartier, the new building will be a welcoming and sustainable cultural destination with expanded space for film, education, exhibitions, and public gathering.
An open and inviting pavilion
Mecanoo’s vision introduces a compact and accessible building with no ‘back side’, opening towards all directions of the city. The design restores visual connections, allowing views of the Thorbeckegracht from the Spiegelstraat. Sloped roofs respond to the historic character of the area, while the building’s form creates a contemporary yet contextual presence.
Francine Houben, Creative Director and Founding Partner of Mecanoo: “Our vision reflects the distinctive identity of the Fraterhuis and the spirit of the Broerenkwartier. We envision an inviting pavilion with a generous roof, opening to all sides and offering an attractive public space, using materials that resonate with Zwolle’s historic city centre.”
A social and sustainable landmark
The new Fraterhuis will feature five cinema halls, alongside hospitality spaces and a multimedia room for education and cultural programming. Circulation spaces are designed to be light and open, enhancing orientation and maintaining visual connections with the city.
The building incorporates a green roof with solar panels, contributing to climate resilience by reducing heat and managing rainwater. Multiple entrances improve accessibility, with the main entrance located at Achter de Broeren. Transparent ground-floor façades create lively, welcoming spaces both inside and around the building.
Arne Lijbers, Architect and Partner at Mecanoo: “The Fraterhuis is conceived as a ‘Zwolle lantern’: a cinematic experience moving from light to dark and back to light. Carefully positioned openings make the building visible and active within its surroundings, enhancing social safety and ensuring a strong presence, also in the evening.”
Strengthening Zwolle’s cultural life
The new Fraterhuis will offer expanded opportunities for film, education, exhibitions, and social interaction, accessible to a broad audience. The development reinforces Zwolle’s cultural infrastructure and contributes to the vitality of the Broerenkwartier and the local economy.