PENTHOUSE CINEMA & CAFE

At Penthouse Cinema & Cafe, we bring together independent film, good food and the character of one of Wellington’s most distinctive heritage cinemas. Based in Brooklyn, we are a Wellington independent cinema where a visit is about more than the film itself. Whether our guests come for a morning coffee, a meal with friends or a night at the movies, we offer a place to settle in and enjoy the occasion.

Our story began in 1939, when our Art Deco building opened as the Vogue Theatre. Merv and Carol Kisby revived the cinema in 1975 under the Penthouse name, beginning a new chapter in the building’s history. Since then, the cinema has grown into a four-screen venue without losing the architectural style and character that make it recognisable. We continue to pair that heritage setting with comfortable seating and the picture and sound expected of a modern cinema.

Our film programme brings together major releases, independent productions, arthouse cinema, international films, documentaries and special screenings. We also take part in film festivals and present selected events beyond the usual movie schedule. There is room for a popular new release, a thought-provoking documentary and a film that might not reach every mainstream cinema.

We believe the time before and after a screening should be enjoyable too. Our fully licensed café and bar offer coffee, refreshments and food, with options for brunch, lunch and dinner. Guests can meet over a meal before the film, stop in for a drink afterwards or visit the café in its own right. It is all part of what makes the Penthouse a familiar meeting place in Brooklyn.

We also open our cinemas to people planning something of their own. Private cinema hire, corporate functions and fundraising screenings bring businesses, schools, sports teams and community groups into the venue. With different screening spaces, including the intimate Vogue Suite, we can discuss an event that suits the group and the reason for getting together.

As an independent Wellington cinema and café, we value both the films we show and the people who come to see them. We take pride in keeping the spirit of the original theatre alive while giving Wellington audiences a comfortable, welcoming place to enjoy cinema, food and time together.

Film Screenings and Special Events

We operate four cinema screens, each part of our historic Art Deco venue. Our programme includes mainstream releases, independent and international films, arthouse titles, documentaries and selected film festivals. We also present special screenings, including classic films and programmes such as National Theatre Live and Met Opera when scheduled. Film titles, screening dates and session times change, so guests can check our current programme before booking.

Café, Dining and Bar

Our café is a destination in its own right, not simply a stop on the way into the auditorium. We serve coffee, cabinet food and meals, including brunch, lunch and dinner options, in surroundings that reflect the cinema’s history. Our fully licensed bar adds to the experience for guests catching up over a drink, dining before a film or attending a function. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the café even when they are not seeing a movie.

Private Cinema Hire

We offer cinema hire for private screenings and group bookings. Our different spaces allow us to discuss options for smaller gatherings or larger events. The Vogue Suite is a more intimate lounge-style cinema and function space, while our other auditoriums provide additional choices. We can help groups explore how a screening fits their plans, whether the occasion is social, professional or community-focused.

Corporate Functions and Events

For Wellington businesses, we provide an alternative to the usual meeting or social venue. Our cinema hire options suit staff gatherings, client entertainment and corporate screenings. Our event offering ranges from smaller champagne evenings to cocktail-style occasions for groups of 100 or more. Guests can talk with us about screening arrangements and the food and beverage options available for their event.

Fundraising Screenings

We regularly welcome schools, sports teams and not-for-profit organisations organising cinema fundraisers. A group screening brings supporters together to enjoy a film while raising money for a school activity, team or community cause. We can discuss private screening options for organisations wanting to run a fundraising event in a distinctive Wellington venue.

Screenings for Different Audiences

Our Senior Sneak Peek programme offers regular Wednesday morning screenings with complimentary tea or filter coffee, baked refreshments and parking included as advertised for that session. We also offer Babes in Arms sessions designed for parents and caregivers, with adjusted lighting and sound, alongside selected family films and school holiday screenings. Other special programmes are scheduled throughout the year, with details provided in our current listings.

Heritage, Comfort and Accessibility

Our cinema opened as the Vogue Theatre in 1939 and has grown considerably since becoming the Penthouse in 1975. Throughout that growth, we have retained the building’s distinctive Art Deco atmosphere. Our four cinemas include both ground-floor and upstairs screening rooms. Access varies by auditorium, so we ask guests with mobility requirements to contact us about the room allocated to their film. Parking is available beside the venue, subject to the applicable arrangements.

Welcoming the Wider Wellington Region

Although we are based in Brooklyn, we welcome filmgoers and event organisers from throughout Wellington, including Lower Hutt, Porirua and Upper Hutt. From an everyday movie session or café visit to a private function or fundraising night, we offer a combination of cinema, dining and heritage character in one place.