06.08.2026
Viennese Charm at the Country’s Oldest Cinema: The Breitenseer Lichtspiele
If you want to immerse yourself in the world of Viennese cinema, this is the place to be.
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From Silent Films to Live Visuals
“Did you change your batteries? You’re so fast today!” Dieter jokes with a regular in a wheelchair. The foyer is buzzing—tonight, a new film by an Austrian director is about to start in the cinema’s single auditorium. The Breitenseer Lichtspiele offers an art-house program focused on Austrian and European cinema. Many films are shown in their original language with subtitles. The owners take special pride in their live silent film performances: every two months, film narrator Ralph Turnheim delights audiences with poetic storytelling and live piano accompaniment. In addition to children’s programming, readings, and special events, the Focus On series highlights filmmakers with ties to Vienna—an homage to the city’s creative scene. The diverse program draws visitors from all over Vienna, says Mattersdorfer.
Cinema Like 100 Years Ago
Local regulars are especially pleased about the new seating, the owner adds. The historic cinema chairs from 1927 were replaced this summer, though two nostalgic rows were kept and placed on a raised platform. During the renovations, great care was taken to preserve the historic charm of the theater. The restored neon sign “Lichtspiele” now shines once again on the façade, and 1950s floor tiles have been uncovered. Inside, vintage signs still advise guests not to smoke, and the former ticket booth now houses a small vinyl collection.
After film discussions, evenings often wind down at the snack counter or in the cozy outdoor garden. Dieter’s recommendation: handmade Viennese cheese pastries with a glass of red wine.
How does a cinema manage to survive more than a century? For Christina and Dieter, the secret lies in the personal touch. “In what other cinema can you stand by the counter and chat with the owners?” Dieter asks with a smile. And indeed, it’s easy to lose track of time here—versumpern, as the Viennese would say.
From Cinema to Cinema
The Breitenseer Lichtspiele is one of the few movie theaters that survived the great wave of cinema closures in Austria during the 1960s. Today, only 27 remain in Vienna — but they are run with great love and unmistakable Viennese charm.
One of the most prestigious among them is the Gartenbaukino on Vienna’s Ringstraße. Closely linked to Austria’s largest film festival, the Viennale, this theater was built in the 1960s and offers a sophisticated program of film series, retrospectives, and special events. Its doors have welcomed renowned guests such as David Lynch, Tilda Swinton, Martin Scorsese, Jane Fonda, and Kirk Douglas.
Just a ten-minute walk from the Gartenbaukino, hidden among winding streets, lies the Metro Kinokulturhaus. Red velvet and dark wooden paneling greet moviegoers as they enter. The former theater hall is a listed heritage site, and the side balconies still frame the seating rows today. Operated by the Filmarchiv Austria, the venue serves as a center dedicated to preserving and exploring Austria’s film culture. After a screening, visitors can browse the in-house bookshop or enjoy a coffee in the charming foyer.
A stroll through Vienna’s city center and along Opernstraße leads to a place that’s more than just a cinema — it’s a cultural hotspot: Schikaneder. Guests come not only for the films but also for the vibrant bar and eclectic events that make this venue a beloved meeting point.
As Operngasse turns into Margaretenstraße, another gem of Vienna’s cinema scene awaits: the Filmcasino. A redesign in the 1950s gave the movie theater its distinctive charm. The Filmcasino impresses not only with its interior but also with its programming — championing inclusion through innovative and unique film series, and celebrating cinema as a space for connection and exchange.
Author: Beatrix Kouba