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Curzon Bloomsbury Cinema at The Brunswick Centre, London

A historic arthouse cinema in London’s Brunswick Centre, blending classic charm with modern screens and the UK’s first dedicated documentary venue.

4.4

Curzon Bloomsbury is a distinguished arthouse cinema located in the heart of London’s Brunswick Centre. Featuring six screens named after historic Curzon venues, it offers a blend of classic charm and modern comfort. The venue includes the UK’s first dedicated documentary cinema, Bertha DocHouse, alongside a bright café with floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a cultural hub for film lovers and locals alike.

A brief summary to Curzon Bloomsbury

  • The Brunswick Centre, London, WC1N 1AW, GB
  • +441233555644
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Arrive early to enjoy the bright, airy café with floor-to-ceiling windows for coffee or snacks before your film.
  • Check the schedule for special events like filmmaker Q&As and live broadcasts of opera, theatre, and ballet.
  • Visit the Bertha DocHouse screen for a unique documentary film experience with dedicated programming.
  • Be aware that the cinema is in a basement, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
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Getting There

  • Underground

    Take the London Underground to Russell Square Station, approximately a 5 to 10-minute walk to Curzon Bloomsbury. The station is served by the Piccadilly Line with frequent trains. No parking is available at the venue.

  • Bus

    Multiple London bus routes stop near the Brunswick Centre, including routes 7, 59, and 68. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses run regularly throughout the day.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Drop-off is available near the Brunswick Centre entrance. Expect fares from £8 to £20.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in Bloomsbury or at the University of London, walking to Curzon Bloomsbury is convenient, taking approximately 10 to 20 minutes on mostly flat, urban terrain.

Curzon Bloomsbury location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Curzon Bloomsbury

A Storied Legacy of Cinematic Excellence

Curzon Bloomsbury stands as a beacon of arthouse cinema in London, rooted in a rich history dating back to its original incarnation as the Bloomsbury Cinema in 1972. Initially opened by the American Walter Reade Organisation, it has evolved through various identities including the Renoir Cinema and ABC Bloomsbury, reflecting decades of cinematic culture. Since its refurbishment and reopening in 2015 under Curzon Cinemas, the venue has embraced its heritage by naming its five main auditoriums after iconic Curzon-operated sites, such as the Renoir and Lumiere, preserving a connection to the golden age of independent film.

Architectural and Atmospheric Character

Housed within the Brunswick Centre, a notable example of 1970s urban design, Curzon Bloomsbury occupies a basement space thoughtfully transformed into a modern multi-screen venue. The cinema’s design balances intimacy with sophistication, featuring six screens of varying sizes, including the largest Renoir auditorium with 141 seats plus a balcony. The Bertha DocHouse, dedicated solely to documentary films, boasts its own lounge and reception area, enhancing the visitor experience. The venue’s café, flooded with natural light through expansive glass windows, offers a welcoming space to relax before or after screenings, blending the social with the cinematic.

A Hub for Diverse and Engaging Film Programming

Curzon Bloomsbury is renowned for its carefully curated programme, showcasing the best of world cinema, independent films, and special events. It serves as a platform for premieres, Q&As with filmmakers, live broadcasts of opera, theatre, and ballet, and festival favourites. The Bertha DocHouse further enriches the cultural offering by focusing on documentary premieres and filmmaker interactions, nurturing a dedicated community of documentary enthusiasts. This diverse programming ensures that both casual moviegoers and cinephiles find compelling reasons to visit.

Community and Cultural Significance

Situated near the University of London and the British Museum, Curzon Bloomsbury attracts a vibrant mix of students, locals, and visitors. Its role as a cultural institution is underscored by its commitment to fostering creativity and dialogue through cinema. The venue’s location within the Brunswick Centre integrates it seamlessly into a lively urban environment, where shopping, dining, and residential spaces coexist. This makes the cinema not just a place to watch films but a social and cultural gathering spot in Bloomsbury.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors to Curzon Bloomsbury can expect state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, comfortable seating, and a range of food and drink options available at the café and bar. The venue is praised for its elegant décor and the quality of its film presentations. While some visitors note challenges such as the cinema’s basement location and occasional crowding in smaller auditoriums, the overall atmosphere remains welcoming and refined. The cinema also offers event hire spaces, making it a versatile venue for private screenings and cultural events.

Continued Evolution and Cultural Impact

Curzon Bloomsbury continues to adapt and thrive as a cultural landmark in London’s cinematic landscape. Its dedication to independent and documentary film, combined with modern amenities and a central location, ensures its ongoing relevance. The cinema’s blend of historic reverence and contemporary programming positions it as a must-visit destination for those seeking a rich, immersive film experience in the capital.

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