At a time when the prices of movie tickets in multiplexes exceed €10, many people are looking for alternatives. That is where classic cinemas come in, of which there are still quite a few throughout Slovakia. These are mostly cinemas that have been operating for several decades; gradually they have been reconstructed and digitised with comfortable seats and excellent sound.
This means that visitors who prefer the traditional intimate atmosphere of movie theaters, as well as lower prices, have once again started returning. Closer magazine brings you a list of classic cinemas that operate in Bratislava.
You can get a ticket for a movie for €6; when movies for children are screened, the ticket is even cheaper at €3. In some cases, a ticket for a movie classic will cost you just €1.
Kino Lumière
Address: 4 Špitálska Street, Staré Mesto
Ticket prices: from €7
Where to buy tickets: at the cinema or online
Kino Lumière cinema is located in the centre of Bratislava. Since 1991, it has been operated by the Slovak Film Institute (SFÚ). According to the official website, the name pays homage to the Lumière brothers, pioneers in film-making, and symbolises a return to the essence of cinema. The cinema offers four screens, two of which have partly barrier-free access. They screen the latest Slovak films, and there are also special events, tours and festivals focused on, for example, archival films or European cinema. On some occasions, a ticket for a classic European movie will symbolically cost you €1.
Kino Nostalgia
Address: 18 Súťažná Street, Ružinov
Ticket prices: from €6
Where to buy tickets: at the cinema or online
Originally known as Nivy cinema, Kino Nostalgia dates back to 1965. After 1989, the cinema was acquired by the capital. In 2011 a film club by the name Nostalgia, then based on the premises of the Faculty of Architecture and Design of the Slovak University of Technology, moved to the cinema. Now, movies are screened from Wednesday to Sunday, with special screenings for the elderly and children. In addition to Slovak and classic films, the latest hits from European and world production are screened as well. It it also the only classic cinema in Bratislava offering 3D movies.
Kino Film Europe
Address: 25 Štefánikova Street, Old Town
Ticket prices: from €6
Where to buy tickets: at the cinema or online
Perhaps the most unique classic cinema in Bratislava is located in the historical building of Pistori Palace. The Kino Film Europe cinema was established in 2013 and has gradually undergone several renovations. The cinema is characterised by cosy atmosphere and has 99-seat capacity. It focuses on Slovak and European films, and usually screen two a day. Most of the programme is covered by high-quality festival films for both demanding and average moviegoers. Every year, the cinema holds Scandi, a selection of Scandinavian films, Crème de la Crème, a week of French film, as well as the Be2Can festival films.
Kino Mladosť
Address: 17 Hviezdoslavovo Square, Old Town
Ticket prices: from €6
Where to buy tickets: at the cinema or online
Established in 1905 as the first regularly operated cinema, the Kino Mladosť cinema boasts the title of the oldest in Slovakia. Actually, it has been screening films for a consecutive 111 years now. The auditorium is small with a cozy feel to it. Cinema fans will definitely appreciate it. Its programme mainly consists of Slovak and Czech films, but children, fans of drama, comedy and romance will also find something to enjoy. On the other hand, fans of action blockbusters will not.
Kino Lúky
Address: 1 Vígľašská Street, Petržalka
Ticket prices: from €6
Where to buy tickets: at the cinema or online
The Kino Lúky cinema operates in the stylish auditorium of the Lúky culture house in Petržalka, allowing visitors to watch contemporary films. Its programme is varied, in addition to mostly Slovak and Czech films, visitors can also pick from genre and festival films. In January 2023, the cinema underwent an extensive renovation, thanks to which the auditorium offers comfortable seats and modern projection technologies.
Artkino za Zrkadlom
Address: 3 Rovniankova Street, Petržalka
Ticket prices: from €6
Where to buy tickets: at the cinema or online
The Artkino Za Zrkadlom is located in the Zrkadlový Háj culture house, offering a unique atmosphere. The programme consists of contemporary Slovak and Czech films, popular European films, as well as blockbusters that are just coming to cinemas. The frequency of screenings is mainly limited to weekends, but there are more screenings in the case of Slovak and Czech films.
©Closer