Brunswick Picture House Melbourne: Coming Soon, Program Highlights, And How To Get In

Melbourne’s north side is about to score serious culture points. The crew behind Thornbury Picture House is expanding their indie empire with Brunswick Picture House—a new cinema-meets-community hub landing on Sydney Road.

It’s been more than four decades since the area’s had its own big screen, and this one’s shaping up to be worth the wait. Expect boutique vibes, arthouse films, and a side of creative chaos that’ll turn Brunswick into Melbourne’s new after-dark hotspot.

What Is Brunswick Picture House And Why It Matters In Melbourne

Brunswick Picture House is the latest passion project from the duo behind Thornbury Picture House. Set to open at 510 Sydney Road, this soon-to-be local favourite promises a new kind of cinema experience where film, art, and community hang out under one roof.

For context, Sydney Road hasn’t had a dedicated indie cinema in over 40 years, so this one’s kind of a big deal. Beyond the popcorn and previews, Brunswick Picture House is shaping up to be a true creative hub—a space that celebrates arthouse, cult classics, and local filmmakers, all while giving the neighbourhood another reason to stay out late. Think less multiplex, more mood.

Opening Timeline And What To Expect In The Programme

While the official opening date hasn’t been locked in, signs point to a late-2025 debut. The venue will feature a single 6.5-metre screen, plush seating, and a 7.1 Krix sound system (aka, all the makings of a boutique movie night done right).

Programming will blend independent film, documentaries, and festival gems, plus a side of live events and community screenings. Expect cult-classic revivals, Q&As with local directors, and maybe even a few secret-screening nights. The team has hinted at opening events and membership perks for the early birds so if “be the first to know” is your vibe, now’s the time to get on their radar.

Image credit: Ain Raadik | Visit Victoria

Tickets, Memberships And Local Community Impact

Details on ticketing and membership options are still under wraps, but if the Thornbury model is anything to go by, we can expect affordable memberships, discounts, and a few sneaky extras for loyal locals. Plus, being right on the tram line (routes 96 and 11) and around the corner from Brunswick Station means it’s perfectly slotted into your dinner-and-a-movie plans.

The ripple effect for the neighbourhood? Huge. The cinema’s arrival is set to give Sydney Road a fresh jolt of night-time energy—think more foot traffic, more late-night eats, and more creative collisions. Expect nearby venues like Noisy Ritual, Wide Open Road, and Etta to become pre- or post-screening go-tos. Because honestly, what’s better than a film night that ends with a Negroni or two?

Details You Need To Know

Location: 510 Sydney Road, Brunswick (minutes from Brunswick Station, trams 96 and 11)

What to expect: Independent films, live events, and community screenings

Extras: On-site bar and cafe for pre-film drinks and post-show hangs

Opening: Late 2025 (official date TBC)

Local love: Rumours of ticket and coffee collabs with nearby venues

Image credit: Etta | Facebook

Where To Eat And Drink Before (Or After) Your Flick

Because a night at the movies deserves more than just popcorn, here’s your cheat sheet to make it a full Brunswick moment.

Etta: A northside gem that’s all about local produce, bold flavours, and a seriously good wine list. Perfect for a pre-screen dinner that sets the tone.

Green Acre Pizza Bar: Laid-back, loud in all the right ways, and home to some of Brunswick’s best slices. Ideal for a quick bite before showtime or a post-movie debrief over natural wine.

Noisy Ritual: Melbourne’s favourite urban winery brings good vino, dim lighting, and plenty of conversation.

Wide Open Road: For the matinee crowd or a lazy Sunday screening, grab a flat white and a pastry from this local caffeine institution just down the road.

Waxflower: Smooth cocktails, vinyl tunes, and late-night energy. The kind of place you’ll end up closing out the night.

Whether you’re here for arthouse premieres, cult marathons, or just a great excuse to linger on Sydney Road a little longer, Brunswick Picture House is about to make movie-going cool again.

Looking for more? Check out:

• Brunswick: What To Eat, Drink And Do In This Iconic Melbourne Suburb
• A Local’s Guide To Living (And Eating) Well In Brunswick
• Your Guide To The Best Cafes In Brunswick For 2025

Main image credit: Brunswick Picture House | Instagram