Regent Street Cinema

Regent Street Cinema is a movie theater in the West End with 185 seats housed in a Victorian building featuring ornate architectural details and modern projection equipment on Regent Street. The space blends historic design with contemporary screening capabilities.

The building opened in 1848 as part of the Royal Polytechnic Institution and became the site of Britain's first film screening by the Lumiere Brothers in 1896. These two moments established its place in early British cinema history.

The cinema programs independent and art films while maintaining the ability to show traditional film formats alongside digital presentations. This approach reflects how the venue serves both cinema history enthusiasts and contemporary audiences.

The Grade II listed building features a bar in the foyer and screens multiple films throughout the day. Entry is straightforward from the main entrance on Regent Street.

A 1936 John Compton organ was carefully preserved and incorporated alongside modern cinema technology during a major restoration completed in 2015. This unusual pairing brings the sound of live music into screenings in an unexpected way.

Location: City of Westminster

Inception: 1848

Official opening: 1848

Address: 307 Regent Street, London, W1B 2UW, England

Website: http://birthplaceofcinema.com

GPS coordinates: 51.51682,-0.14285

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:22