Anyone looking for culture in Vienna is spoiled for choice. There are more than enough options in the music capital. This also includes Vienna’s unique movie theaters. By definition , arthouse cinemas view film as a medium for documentation, education, criticism and reflection, personal expression, experimentation, and imagination —and Vienna has no fewer than 17 of them! Here we’ve put together a fine selection for you.
The Stadtkino Wien was foundedin 1981 and is one of the country’s most established arthouse cinemas. After relocating in 2013, it is now prominently located in the historic Künstlerhaus on Karlsplatz. As an important hub for dedicated arthouse cinema, it presents outstanding Austrian and international auteur films, exciting film series, and film festivals in a unique artistic and cultural-historical setting.
This Vienna cinema has already won an international award: The U.S. industry magazine “Variety” named Vienna’s Filmcasino one of the 21 coolest cinemas in the world. It’s no wonder, given its unique 1950s design and cinematic interior. As a renowned arthouse cinema, it continues to delight audiences today with sophisticated independent films, diverse film festivals, and atmospheric retro charm.
The Metro Kinokulturhaus is certainly one of the most beautiful cinemas in Vienna. The listed main auditorium alone is worth a visit. With wood paneling dating back to 1893, side boxes, and red cinema seats , it transports you to another era. A few years ago, the Filmarchiv Austria expanded the cinema into a multi-story cultural center with event and exhibition spaces. A very special feature: This cinema boasts the world’s best-stocked specialty bookstore for film.
The Gartenbaukino impresses with its size. No other cinema in Vienna can accommodate more viewers. This single-screen theater boasts a total of 736 seats; it has always been the venue for world-renowned premieres and attracts many international stars. As the main venue forthe Viennale , itcelebrates sophisticated festival cinema, rare 70mm screenings, and a true big-screen experience. A very special fact: Almost all of the seats now bear the names of their respective seat sponsors.
The Schikaneder in the 4th district has something to offer for absolutely every taste. Not only does the regular film lineup play here, but there are also human rights film festivals, special events for the LGBTQ+ community, and DJ sets in the bar area. Thanks to the cozy armchairs, the theater feels just like your own living room. And on Sundays, people gather here to watch “Tatort” together—with free admission.
Vienna’s oldest arthouse cinema can be found in the 14th district. According to legend, it’s even the oldest in the world! Even today, you can take a seat on the original wooden chairs from 1905. A sense of nostalgia runs through the history of the cinema, which is still family-run today. Today, the cinema screens film classics and the latest productions, but it also hosts drag shows and silent films with piano accompaniment.
The Vienna Bellaria Kino is one of the city’s oldest movie theaters. Founded in 1911 behind the Hofburg, it was considered a popular meeting place for lovers of old German film classics for decades. After a long closure, it now shines anew under new ownership, retaining its nostalgic charm. What makes it special is the successful blend of a restored retro atmosphere, modern technology, a refined arthouse program, and a cozy bar.
The Admiralkino in Vienna’s 7th district opened as early as 1913 and is one of the city’s oldest movie theaters. It hasretained its charming,neighborhood-oriented character to this day. In addition to a carefully curated arthouse program, this neighborhood cinema hosts the iconic “Dog Day, ” where movie lovers are allowed to bring their four-legged companions into the theater once a month.
Cinema at the Max Brown 7th District Hotel
The Parlour Cinema at the Max Brown Hotel in the 7th District combines Viennese history with a modern lifestyle. The hotel houses its own cinema in a meticulously renovated Biedermeier building in the vibrant, creative Neubau district. The cozy auditorium exudes charming retro flair for private screenings and events. A special highlight is the regular free movie day, which invites film fans to enjoy movies at no cost. Advance registration is available online.
