BFI IMAX

Britain's biggest screen delivers cinema as total immersion on London's vibrant South Bank.

4.6

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Britain's largest cinema screen awaits at the BFI IMAX, a striking architectural landmark positioned in the heart of South Bank's cultural quarter. This state-of-the-art IMAX theatre, housed within a distinctive cylindrical building at the centre of a roundabout junction, offers an unparalleled immersive film experience with crystal-clear projection and thunderous sound. Whether you're catching a blockbuster, documentary, or specially formatted IMAX release, the sheer scale of the screen transforms cinema into an all-encompassing sensory event that leaves audiences breathless.

A brief summary to BFI IMAX

1 Charlie Chaplin Walk South Bank, London, SE1 8XR, GB
+442079602102
Visit website
Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Book tickets in advance online to secure premium seating and avoid queues, especially for weekend screenings and school holidays when capacity fills quickly.
Arrive 20 minutes early to navigate the roundabout approach and locate the correct entrance; the building's circular design can be disorienting for first-time visitors.
Choose IMAX-formatted films over standard releases to fully appreciate the screen's scale; nature documentaries and space films are particularly spectacular in this format.
Combine your visit with South Bank's other attractions—the Thames Path, street performers, and nearby galleries are all within walking distance for a full cultural day.
Consider BFI membership for discounted tickets and access to exclusive screenings; members receive £2.50 off each ticket.

Getting There

Underground (Tube)

Waterloo station is the closest Underground stop, located approximately 300 metres south of the BFI IMAX. The Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines all serve this major interchange. Journey times from central London vary: from King's Cross St Pancras approximately 12 minutes, from Oxford Circus approximately 8 minutes, from Tower Bridge approximately 10 minutes. Exit at Waterloo and follow signs toward the South Bank or Waterloo Bridge; the roundabout containing the cinema is clearly visible from the station exit.
Bus

Multiple bus routes serve the area surrounding the BFI IMAX. Routes 1, 4, 26, 42, 45, 63, 77, 87, 88, 109, 159, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 211, 344, 381, and 507 stop at various points near Waterloo station and South Bank. Journey times depend on origin and traffic conditions but typically range from 20 to 45 minutes from central London locations. Buses stop on Waterloo Road and York Road adjacent to the roundabout.
Thames Clipper (River Bus)

Embankment Pier is the nearest river bus station, approximately 800 metres north of the BFI IMAX, requiring an 11-minute walk along the Thames Path. Thames Clippers operate regular services from Westminster, Tower Bridge, and other riverside piers. This option provides a scenic alternative to ground transport, though journey times are typically longer than Underground or bus services.
Walking from South Bank

If you're already exploring South Bank, the BFI IMAX is accessible via the Queen's Walk pedestrian embankment. From the National Theatre or Royal Festival Hall, follow the riverside path eastward for approximately 10-15 minutes. The roundabout containing the cinema becomes visible as you approach; descend via the Charlie Chaplin Walk subway or nearby stairs to reach the cinema entrance.

BFI IMAX location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about BFI IMAX

A Monument to Modern Cinema

The BFI IMAX stands as a bold architectural statement on London's South Bank, its cylindrical glass drum rising prominently at the intersection of Waterloo Road, Stamford Street, York Road, and Waterloo Bridge. Completed as part of the cultural renaissance that followed the Festival of Britain, this cinema represents the pinnacle of film exhibition technology. The building's distinctive circular form and commanding position make it instantly recognisable, serving as a visual anchor within the vibrant entertainment district that stretches from Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge.

The Screen That Defines Immersion

What sets the BFI IMAX apart from conventional multiplexes is its extraordinary screen—the largest in Britain. Measuring an astounding 26 by 20 metres, the screen towers above audiences with such scale that peripheral vision becomes part of the viewing experience. The projection technology delivers images of uncompromising clarity, while the specially engineered sound system envelops the auditorium with precision and power. Whether experiencing a nature documentary that transports you to remote landscapes or an action film that surrounds you with kinetic energy, the IMAX format elevates cinema from passive entertainment to total environmental immersion.

Guardianship of the British Film Institute

Owned and operated by the British Film Institute, the BFI IMAX functions as more than a commercial cinema—it serves as a cultural institution dedicated to film preservation, education, and celebration. The venue curates its programming with curatorial intent, balancing mainstream releases with documentaries, artistic films, and specially formatted presentations that showcase the unique capabilities of the IMAX platform. This curatorial approach ensures that the screen hosts content worthy of its technological magnificence, from David Attenborough's natural world epics to immersive space documentaries that make audiences feel weightless.

A Destination Within a Destination

The BFI IMAX occupies a prime position within South Bank, one of London's most visited cultural precincts. The surrounding area pulses with activity: the Thames Path offers riverside walks with unobstructed views of the city's landmarks, street performers and living statues populate the embankment, and cultural venues including the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Tate Modern lie within easy walking distance. The cinema's location at the base of the roundabout creates a natural gathering point where locals and tourists converge, making the approach to the venue itself an observation point for London's diverse street culture.

The Experience Beyond the Screen

Arriving at the BFI IMAX involves navigating the distinctive roundabout environment, with approaches from multiple directions creating varied arrival experiences. The interior spaces, though functional, maintain a focus on the auditorium itself—the true heart of the venue. The concourse areas provide standard cinema amenities, but the real magic unfolds once you enter the theatre and the vast screen fills your entire visual field. The acoustic design ensures that sound never overwhelms but rather envelops, creating a balanced sensory environment that respects the film while enhancing its impact.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

Since its opening, the BFI IMAX has become synonymous with premium film exhibition in London. It represents a commitment to cinema as an art form and a technological achievement, standing as a counterpoint to the proliferation of standard multiplexes. The venue attracts film enthusiasts, families seeking spectacular entertainment, and casual visitors drawn by the promise of something extraordinary. Its presence on South Bank reinforces the district's identity as a cultural destination where world-class institutions celebrate human creativity and innovation.