Imperial College Union Cinema, South Kensington
A cozy, student-centered cinema blending academic culture and entertainment in the heart of South Kensington.
Nestled on the 2nd floor of Imperial College London's Union Building, the Imperial College Union Cinema offers an intimate, student-focused movie experience in the heart of South Kensington. This cozy venue blends academic culture with entertainment, hosting curated film screenings and special events in a relaxed, community atmosphere. It is a favored spot for film enthusiasts seeking a unique cinema experience away from larger commercial venues.
A brief summary to Imperial Cinema
- Quadrangle, 2nd Floor, Union Building, Beit, Prince Consort Rd, London, South Kensington, SW7 2BB, GB
- +442036036195
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the student union schedule for themed movie nights and special screenings for a unique experience.
- Arrive early to secure good seating in this intimate venue, especially during popular events.
- Combine your visit with exploring nearby cultural landmarks like the Natural History Museum or Hyde Park.
- Use public transport to reach the cinema easily, as parking in South Kensington is limited and expensive.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the District or Circle Line to South Kensington Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the Union Building. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and the walk is mostly flat and accessible. No parking is required, and the fare ranges from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 14, 49, and 70, stop near Imperial College on Prince Consort Road. Bus travel time varies between 15-30 minutes from central London locations. Buses are wheelchair accessible, and a single fare costs around £1.75 with contactless payment.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to the cinema takes approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £10-£20. Drop-off is possible near the Union Building entrance, but parking in South Kensington is limited and costly.
Imperial Cinema location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Imperial Cinema
A Unique Academic Cinema Experience
Located within the Quadrangle of Imperial College London's Union Building, the Imperial College Union Cinema occupies a discreet yet vibrant spot on the 2nd floor. Unlike typical multiplexes, this cinema caters primarily to the college community, creating a welcoming and intimate environment where students and visitors alike can enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of films. Its location in South Kensington places it amidst a rich cultural and academic neighborhood, enhancing its appeal as a hub for both entertainment and intellectual engagement.Atmosphere and Ambience
The cinema's cozy size fosters a relaxed, casual atmosphere that encourages conversation and community interaction. Its minimalist design complements the modern architecture of the Union Building, providing a clean and uncluttered aesthetic that focuses attention on the film experience itself. The venue is often used for themed movie nights, special screenings, and student-organized events, making it a lively and unique cultural spot within the bustling city.Community and Cultural Significance
As part of Imperial College Union, the cinema plays a key role in campus life by offering a space where students can unwind and connect over shared interests in film and storytelling. It reflects the college’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community beyond academics, blending entertainment with cultural enrichment. This cinema also supports local and independent films, contributing to a diverse cinematic landscape within London.Facilities and Accessibility
Though modest in scale, the cinema is well-equipped with comfortable seating and modern projection technology, ensuring a quality viewing experience. Its indoor setting provides shelter from London's often unpredictable weather. The venue benefits from excellent mobile reception and is accessible via public transport, making it convenient for both students and visitors. Nearby amenities include restrooms and food options within the Union Building and surrounding South Kensington area.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Prince Consort Road, the cinema is surrounded by iconic London landmarks, museums, and parks such as Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. This prime location adds to the cinema’s charm, offering visitors the opportunity to combine cultural outings with film viewing. The Union Building itself is a modern architectural landmark within a heritage neighborhood, blending seamlessly into the academic and cultural fabric of the area.Engagement Beyond Film
The Imperial College Union Cinema is more than just a place to watch movies; it is a social and cultural venue that hosts events fostering creativity and community spirit. From student film societies to special guest screenings, it provides a platform for dialogue and artistic expression, enriching the cultural life of Imperial College and its visitors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
37 Thurloe St
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Empire House
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Béla Bartók Memorial
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Celebrate the legacy of Béla Bartók, the Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, through this evocative bronze memorial in London’s South Kensington.
142 Cromwell Rd
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Kensington War Memorial
0.9 km
A solemn gothic cross memorial honoring Kensington’s fallen soldiers, set beside the historic St Mary Abbots Church.
Speke Monument
1.0 km
A Victorian obelisk in Kensington Gardens honouring explorer John Hanning Speke, who identified Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile.
Norwegian War Memorial
1.1 km
A solemn granite tribute in Hyde Park honoring British-Norwegian friendship and support during World War II.
Edward Jenner Memorial
1.2 km
Victorian marble tribute to the physician who conquered smallpox and invented vaccination.
The Old Police House
1.3 km
Historic police station and visitor hub nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, blending heritage with the tranquility of London’s iconic green space.
Sussex Gardens
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A serene Victorian garden oasis nestled in the historic Tyburnia district, blending lush greenery with elegant architecture in central London.
Chelsea Old Town Hall
1.6 km
A stunning late Victorian neoclassical landmark on King's Road, blending rich history with vibrant cultural and civic life in Chelsea.
Sloane Square
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Leighton House
1.7 km
Discover the opulence of 19th-century art at Leighton House, an art museum showcasing the legacy of Frederic Leighton in London.
The Tower House
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A stunning Victorian Gothic Revival townhouse in London, blending medieval artistry with rock legend heritage.
Belgrave Square
1.8 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Belgrave Square, a historic gem in London, surrounded by elegant architecture and lush gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Royal Albert Hall
0.1 km
Experience the grandeur and timeless cultural legacy of London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, a world-famous venue for music and the arts.
Queen's Tower
0.2 km
Discover the Queen's Tower, a stunning historical landmark in South Kensington, showcasing Victorian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
The Albert Memorial
0.3 km
A breathtaking Victorian Gothic monument in Kensington Gardens, honoring Prince Albert’s legacy with intricate sculptures and gilded grandeur.
Science Museum
0.3 km
Explore London’s iconic Science Museum with interactive exhibits, live demos, and iconic artifacts celebrating scientific achievement.
Natural History Museum
0.4 km
Explore 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history through iconic fossils, dazzling exhibits, and tranquil gardens at London’s Natural History Museum.
Serpentine Gallery
0.5 km
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art and architecture in the heart of Kensington Gardens, London’s iconic cultural oasis.
Victoria and Albert Museum
0.6 km
Explore centuries of art, design, and fashion at London’s iconic Victoria and Albert Museum, where creativity meets history in a stunning Victorian setting.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
0.7 km
A serene, interactive water memorial in Hyde Park honoring Princess Diana’s life and legacy through innovative design and tranquil reflection.
Queen Caroline's Temple
0.7 km
An elegant 18th-century neoclassical summerhouse in Kensington Gardens, celebrating Queen Caroline’s artistic and landscape legacy.
The Hole in the Wall
0.7 km
A timeless, authentic London pub near Waterloo station, famed for its hearty ales, no-frills charm, and welcoming local atmosphere.
Round Pond
0.7 km
Historic ornamental lake in Kensington Gardens, home to model yachts and diverse wildlife, set against the iconic backdrop of Kensington Palace.
St Augustine's Church
0.8 km
Discover the striking Gothic Revival beauty and rich Anglo-Catholic heritage of St Augustine's Church in South Kensington, a William Butterfield masterpiece.
Kensington Gardens
0.8 km
Explore Kensington Gardens, a royal London oasis blending historic grandeur, iconic landmarks, and family-friendly adventures across 265 acres of green space.
Thin House
0.8 km
Discover London’s iconic Victorian-era Thin House, a wedge-shaped architectural marvel in South Kensington, famed for its extraordinary narrowness and artistic heritage.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.8 km
A majestic marble statue of Queen Victoria by her daughter, marking the birthplace and childhood home of one of Britain’s most iconic monarchs.
Essential places to dine
Spaghetti House Italian Restaurant Kensington High Street
0.7 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm await at Spaghetti House on Kensington High Street, perfect for casual dining in central London.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant London Kensington
0.8 km
Cozy Italian dining in the heart of Kensington with classic pasta, pizza, and family-friendly options in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Grato
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Cozy Italian dining with handmade pasta and warm hospitality in the tranquil heart of Kensington Square, London.
Zuaya London
0.8 km
Discover modern Latin American cuisine with vibrant flavors, stylish ambiance, and exceptional cocktails in the heart of Kensington.
Town House Kensington
0.8 km
Elegant modern British dining with global influences in the heart of South Kensington, offering all-day meals and refined ambiance.
Dishoom Kensington
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavours and Art Deco charm of Bombay’s iconic Irani cafés at Dishoom Kensington, London’s stylish Indian dining destination.
Akira Restaurant at Japan House London
0.9 km
Experience authentic Japanese elegance and exquisite omakase dining in the heart of Kensington at Akira Restaurant, Japan House London.
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
1.0 km
Classic British brasserie charm meets lively Kensington atmosphere in this elegant all-day dining hotspot on High Street.
Alexandrie Restaurant
1.1 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors and elegant dining in the heart of Kensington with Alexandrie’s refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
1.3 km
Experience two Michelin-starred historic British cuisine reimagined with modern artistry at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the heart of Knightsbridge.
The Shed
1.5 km
A rustic, family-run gem in Notting Hill serving sustainable, farm-to-table British cuisine with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
Rabbit
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Il Portico
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The Grenadier
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Discover The Grenadier, a historic and haunted London pub steeped in military legacy and timeless charm in the heart of Belgravia.
The Jam
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Discover Chelsea’s iconic Italian eatery with quirky treehouse seating and authentic cuisine on King’s Road.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Science Museum Shop
0.4 km
Ignite curiosity with science-inspired gifts, gadgets, and toys at this inventive shop inside London's Science Museum – perfect for all ages.
The Natural History Museum Shop
0.5 km
Discover nature’s wonders through unique gifts and souvenirs at the Natural History Museum Shop in London’s iconic museum.
V&A Shop
0.6 km
Discover art-inspired gifts and unique keepsakes at the V&A Shop, nestled within London’s renowned Victoria and Albert Museum.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Trendy threads and eclectic home vibes on London's iconic Kensington High Street – Urban Outfitters delivers boho-chic shopping with a creative edge.
Kensington Palace Shop
0.9 km
Discover regal treasures at Kensington Palace Shop: fine china, jewellery, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by centuries of royal elegance in London's premier palace grounds.
London Souvenir Kensington
0.9 km
Kensington High Street's go-to for authentic London souvenirs: red buses, royal trinkets, and Union Jack delights in a shopper's paradise.
Jigsaw
0.9 km
Refined British womenswear on Kensington High Street, where timeless tailoring meets contemporary elegance in a stylish boutique haven.
Good
1.0 km
Discover timeless designer vintage at Good, where Kensington Church Street's charm meets sustainable high fashion in a curated second-hand paradise.
Oxfam Shop - Kensington High Street
1.3 km
Unearth ethical treasures on Kensington High Street at this vibrant Oxfam shop, where second-hand style funds global change amid London's posh shopping scene.
The London Shop
1.5 km
Friendly and affordable gift shop in vibrant Queensway, London, open daily with a welcoming atmosphere and great souvenirs.
the Design Museum Shop
1.5 km
Curated gifts, books and design objects from the Design Museum’s High Street, Atrium and Exhibition shops—where form, craft and everyday use meet.
the Design Museum Shop - High Street Shop
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Octavia Foundation - Kensington
1.6 km
Discover designer bargains and vintage treasures at this Kensington High Street charity shop, funding life-changing support for local communities in true Octavia Hill spirit.
Notting hill store
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Rococo Chocolates King's Road
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar 190
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Stables Bar
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The Builders Arms
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AMARO BAR - London
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Piano Kensington
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K Bar
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The Hereford Arms, South Kensington
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The Owl and Monkey Cocktail Bar
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High Spirit Cocktail Bar
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Prince of Wales
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The Churchill Arms, Kensington
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Evans & Peel Detective Agency
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The Victoria, Paddington
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Step into The Victoria, Paddington, a historic Victorian pub blending timeless charm, rich heritage, and refined British dining in a warm, inviting setting.
The Henderson Bar & Kitchen
1.7 km
Notting Hill's carnival-inspired bar serving twisted British classics from breakfast to cocktails on a sunny terrace—honoring Russ Henderson's legacy.
The Dickens Tavern
1.8 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Metric
0.0 km
A compact, collegiate nightclub beneath Imperial College’s Beit Quadrangle — lively student nights, intimate dancefloor and a campus-centred party vibe.
Dolce Night Club , London
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B London
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Privilege Entertainment Ltd
1.4 km
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Notting Hill Arts Club
1.5 km
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Ricco London
2.3 km
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The Globe
2.4 km
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The Duke of Wellington
2.5 km
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Electric House
2.5 km
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LUXX CLUB LONDON
2.6 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Tabu London
2.7 km
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Carwash Nightclub
2.7 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
Subteranian
2.9 km
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The Scotch of St James
3.0 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Cuckoo Club
3.0 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly