Each Ruby hotel has its own unique story and design – by repurposing this former cinema, Ruby Mimi adds another chapter to the story of sustainable development through community engagement, while preserving cultural heritage…
Nestled in the heart of Zurich, where history whispers from every corner, stands the Ruby Mimi Hotel, a testament to the city’s ever-evolving narrative. Once the pioneering home of Zurich’s first cinemas, this architectural gem has undergone a remarkable transformation, breathing new life into its storied walls.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
Ruby is well aware of the fact that conversion of existing structures is more efficient and sustainable than a new construction. The advantage of repurposing a building is massive in terms of CO2 savings: An average new hotel building consumes around 650kg CO2e/square metre. By converting the building of Ruby Mimi instead of constructing a new hotel, Ruby’s approach saved 73 tonnes of CO2.
At Ruby Mimi Hotel in Zurich, an old cinema has been given new life, preserving its heritage while blending it with modern charm. The commitment to maintaining the venue’s storied past is evident in every corner, with careful attention to detail and a deep love for the original architecture shining through. From the meticulously restored features to the thoughtfully chosen décor, Ruby’s team of architects and designers combine old-world elegance with contemporary style, offering guests a truly unique experience. Ruby Hotels proudly showcases a transformation rooted in sustainability and style, where the echoes of the past resonate with the vibrant pulse of the present.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
The journey of transforming Ruby Mimi Hotel into a contemporary haven began with the discovery of a unique building, rich in character, history, and soul. The old cinema’s captivating heritage set the stage for an ambitious vision: to preserve its storied past while infusing it with modern charm. The process commenced with recycling and creating that involved meticulous restoration and innovative design.
However, this ambitious endeavour was not without its challenges. The complexities of recycling historical elements and integrating them into a functional, stylish hotel almost brought the project to a standstill. Various obstacles included the preservation of old elements, such the original wooden beams and round windows in some of the rooms. Moreover, navigating the constraints imposed by the building’s listed status presented an additional challenge.
Yet, perseverance and creativity triumphed, and the project succeeded beyond expectations.
Every corner of Ruby Mimi now reflects a careful balance of elegance and contemporary style, offering guests an exceptional experience. The hotel’s transformation stands as a testament to the power of vision and determination, breathing new life into a beloved piece of Zurich’s history.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
Merging historical elegance with contemporary charm, Jean Speck’s legacy resonates through time – a mélange of entrepreneurship and intrigue that birthed Zurich’s cinematic journey. From shoemaker to showman, Speck’s visionary spirit found its zenith in the creation of the ‘Orient,’ Zurich’s inaugural cinema nestled within the historic Du Pont building. As the reels spun and audiences were transported to worlds unknown, Speck’s legacy endured, a testament to the power of imagination in an ever-changing world.
Drawing inspiration from the silent film era and the twilight of Art Nouveau, Ruby Mimi presents ‘A Star is Born’, an ode to the glitz and glamour of 1913. Through opulent hues and sumptuous textures, guests are invited on a journey through time, where silver screens illuminated dreams and starlets danced across celluloid. Original film equipment such as a film projector, clapperboard, film spools, vintage posters and old costume pieces from the golden 20’s recovered from flea markets and second-hand platforms adorn the mosaic shelf in the common area. This pays homage to cinema’s illustrious past while celebrating the enduring allure of storytelling.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
As a treasured icon of Zurich’s cultural landscape, Ruby Mimi welcomes travellers and locals alike to immerse themselves in a world where heritage meets innovation. From its origins as a cinematic marvel to its rebirth as a Lean Luxury hotel, the journey of Ruby Mimi mirrored the city’s own evolution – an enduring tribute to the power of reinvention in a world in constant motion.
Guests arriving at Ruby Mimi Hotel step into a beautifully restored building that immediately sets the tone for their stay. They are welcomed by friendly staff in a community area that seamlessly blends the historical elements of the old cinema with modern design touches. After a swift digital check-in, guests are guided to their rooms, where the ambiance meets contemporary comfort.
Following an afternoon of exploring Zurich, guests return to savour a moment of pure relaxation and enjoy the high-quality bedding. As evening approaches, they can enjoy a signature neighbourhood drink like Mimiscus Spritz or Swiss Vodka Mule, all mixed with quality Swiss liquors at the 24/7 bar. Later, travellers can take a trip back in time to Mimi’s film past and watch a screening in the luxurious, Art Deco-style Movie Lounge or listen to local bands that frequently perform, infusing the space with the vibrant energy of Zurich’s music scene. In the morning, they wake up to a thoughtfully curated breakfast that highlights local flavours like typical Swiss pastry, Ovomaltine chocolate spread, and Swiss gruyère cheese. Guests leave Ruby Mimi with a sense of having been part of Zurich’s living history.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
Beyond the confines of luxury, Ruby Mimi represents a beacon of change, revitalising urban landscapes and redefining hospitality paradigms. Coming full circle to Ruby’s initial vision: By repurposing existing structures, Ruby Hotels not only saved a significant amount of CO2 with Ruby Mimi Hotel, but also fostered community engagement and economic vitality. Through sustainable practices and forward-thinking design, valuable cultural heritage has been preserved, and the hotel seamlessly integrates with the dynamic neighbourhood. Guests at Ruby Mimi can now enjoy a unique experience that celebrates both the past and the present, embodying the true spirit of this vibrant city.
Main image credit: Ruby Hotels
