7 loveliest arthouse cinemas in Helsinki
In an increasingly streamed world of movies, Helsinki doubles down on its dedication to the shared moviegoing experience.
Tired of endless scrolling through content? Sidestep the algorithm, balance a popcorn box on your lap and let us raise the curtain on the city’s cinematic smörgåsbord.
Here are seven of the loveliest cinemas in Helsinki, enjoy!
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| 5 min read
Helsinki’s love affair with the silver screen runs deep. So much so that the city was once one of the Nordic region’s most cinema-packed capitals. This includes Finland’s oldest movie house still in operation, Maxim, located at the same address on central Kluuvikatu since 1909. However, the advent of television and then the arrival of multiplexes in the 1990s ushered moviegoers into a much smaller number of venues.
Yet the credits didn’t roll there. In recent years – and especially after COVID – smaller, character-filled arthouse cinemas have stepped back into the spotlight, proving that Helsinkians still crave movie magic together. See for yourself: here are seven of the loveliest cinemas in Helsinki, catering to every taste. Quite literally – the theatre menus contain everything from popcorn to panna cotta, soda pop to champagne. And, of course, salmiakki, a Finnish cinema staple.
1. Cinema Orion – Art Deco (and couches) to sink into
Where? Kamppi
What? Starting out in 1928 by screening silent movies, Cinema Orion now offers a rotating roster of acclaimed recent releases, original print classics – and the occasional crowd-pleasing sing-along. Overseen by the national cultural association ELKE, the tailored selection is screened using a 4K digital projector alongside two 35mm projectors.
Whether on the ground floor or balcony, the loungeable seats make for one of the city’s cosiest viewing experiences. Comfort is keenly kept in mind elsewhere, too: for one, coat racks are conveniently positioned above the heaters lining the venue’s walls.
Bonus reel: A signed poster for Aki Kaurismäki’s acclaimed 2023 film Fallen Leaves adds to the ambient embrace of the Art Deco lobby – a key scene was shot here.
Helsinki
Art Deco
2. Gilda Cinema – boutique moments for grownups
Where? Lasipalatsikortteli
What? Taking its name from the 1946 Rita Hayworth classic, Gilda harks back to a polished age of cinemagoing – with modern perks such as high-spec auditoriums.
A range of snacks are on offer, and a full bar lifts a glass to the adult audience focus here. On the viewing menu? Latest releases screen alongside special events including anything from a Shrek 2 screening (“Wine and Shrek”) to audiophile-appeasing classic album listening parties.
Bonus reel: The Gilda team also operates one of Helsinki’s most iconic cinematic venues: the adjacent Bio Rex Lasipalatsi. This 400-seat auditorium has projected light through celluloid since 1936.
3. WHS Teatteri Union – a hub of cult classics
Where? Kruununhaka
What? There’s just as much fun to be had in the lobby of WHS Teatteri Union (est. 1924) as there is inside its 80-seat theatre. Scattered trinkets abound, along with a box office counter built from VHS videotapes, classic Nintendo games and an old typewriter encouraging visitors to tap out their thoughts.
A packed drinks fridge invites punters to whet their whistle before, during and after the carefully curated screenings that often exist well outside the confines of the mainstream. A variety of digital and analogue projectors ensure films are shown as intended. Live performing arts are central here, too, courtesy of WHS – the globetrotting contemporary circus collective behind the cinema’s name.
Bonus reel: A monthly film club held in collaboration with Night Visions festival is the cult cinema cherry on top in Kruununhaka.
4. Riviera Punavuori – cinema with cocktails
Where? Punavuori (and Kallio)
What? Drinks and eats are delivered straight to your plush seat at Riviera Punavuori, offering a cut-above movie experience. In Riviera Punavuori lobby’s chequered floor sets the tone for sipping movie-themed cocktails – so too, the monthly live movie music evenings.
Don’t allow too much leeway for the pre-screening programme, though – films always start at the time indicated on your ticket. Curious about Finnish cinema? Finnish films are regularly shown with English subtitles. Beyond Punavuori, the Riviera team also runs a 59-seat theatre in the buzzing Kallio neighbourhood.
Bonus reel: Keep an ear out for cinematic soundbites in the restrooms – offering audio snippets of classics like Scarface and Casablanca.
5. Korjaamo Kino – a cultural centre for cinema
Where? Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo, Töölö
What? Nestled among the pastel buildings of the inner-city district Töölö, the lively arts hub Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo hosts everything from standup to gigs and exhibitions. Looking for something cinematic to add to the mix? Korjaamo Kino screens films here three days a week, covering everything from the latest releases to special events, including the Refugee Film Festival.
Test your Finnish skills via the wall of classic movie posters at the box office – some more recent posters are also free to take home. After the credits roll, the adjacent bar and restaurant spills outside to the terrace in the warmer months.
Bonus reel: Korjaamo Kino is located next to the city’s tram museum, which is housed in Vaunuhalli, Helsinki’s oldest tram depot building dating back to 1900.
6. Kino Engel – come for the arthouse, stay for the pizza
Where? Downtown (opposite the Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral)
What? Bask in the aromas wafting from one of the city’s best pizzerias, Via Tribunali, on your way downstairs to this snug twin-screen city mainstay Kino Engel. Operated by Cinema Mondo, an independent film import company founded in 1990, the cinema is home to a packed programme of indie and critical darlings.
Those looking for family-friendly content in Swedish are also catered to – the cinema teams up with the Finland-Swedish film centre, Finlandssvenskt filmcentrum, to regularly screen films for Finland’s Swedish-speaking community.
Bonus reel: The number of screens here expands each summer when the outdoor KesäKino takes over the neighbouring inner courtyard – replete with table service.
7. Kino Konepaja – on the right cinematic track
Where? Konepaja (in Vallila)
What? An illuminated marquee crowns the bar here, evoking New York City streets and a cinematic era of yesteryear. Fitting too, as Helsinki’s newest cinema can be found in the repurposed train yard environs of Konepaja – precisely in the space where trains were once painted.
Sizeable Genelec speakers line the walls of 54-seater theatre Kino Konepaja, perfectly complementing the crisp 7-metre Stewart Filmscreen image. Nibbles and drinks and all kinds of cinematic events are on offer to boot, including quizzes and playfully themed screenings (Coyote Ugly with shots, anyone?).
Bonus reel: The theatre doubles as a colour grading reference screen for the local independent post-production company, Whitepoint Digital.
