Penthouse Cinema and Cafe, Wellington

16/06/2026

Looking for a chance to enjoy a great film without worrying about bringing your little one along?

Babes in Arms returns this Thursday at 10:30am with Caterpillar, a moving New Zealand drama that explores what happens when memory begins to fade and love is put to the test.

Described by Francesca Rudkin as “a beautifully observed drama”, Caterpillar is the perfect excuse to get out of the house, grab a coffee, and enjoy a film in a relaxed, baby-friendly environment.

Our Babes in Arms screenings feature dimmed lights, optional lower sound levels, easy access throughout the venue, and free parking included with your ticket (just let our staff know when you arrive).

Book Now, https://www.penthousecinema.co.nz/babes-in-arms

16/06/2026

For this week’s Tuesday Throwback, we’re stepping back to November 2008, when The Dominion Post featured the Penthouse Café in an article titled “A Box Office Hit.”

The review praised the café’s relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, and ambitious menu, celebrating it as a destination in its own right rather than just somewhere to grab a snack before a film.

Reading it today, it’s striking how much has stayed the same. Nearly two decades later, the combination of great films, good food, and a welcoming community atmosphere remains at the heart of the Penthouse experience. Some things never go out of style.

16/06/2026

Be careful who you wish for...

Obsession, Limited screenings from Thursday.

Book Tickets Now, https://www.penthousecinema.co.nz/movie/obsession

15/06/2026

What’s new this week?

The Death of Robin Hood -
A darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale, which will see the character as a battleworn loner grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder

Toy Story 5 -
The toys are back and this time, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face to face with Lilypad.

Glenrothan -
When his beloved Chicago blues club burns down, Donal (Cu***ng) returns to his family-owned whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands for the first time in nearly 40 years.

SNO-CIETY - Limited Screenings
Celebrates the spirit of winter, wherever you ride and however you connect to the snow and the community around it.

Coming to Penthouse on Thursday.

Something you fancy? Book Now
https://www.penthousecinema.co.nz/coming-soon

13/06/2026

From the Scottish Highlands to the mountains of British Columbia, Warren Miller’s SNO-CIETY celebrates the people, places, and passion that bring us together through snow.

Follow the journeys of Olympians, freeriders, and local legends as they chase powder across the globe in this inspiring new winter adventure.

Limited screenings, get in quick!
https://www.penthousecinema.co.nz/movie/warren-millers-sno-ciety

12/06/2026

You’re invited…

Step onto the red carpet for our exclusive preview screening of The Invite on July 4 at 8pm.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival, spot prizes throughout the evening, and a night where everything is on the table.

Will you accept the invitation?

10/06/2026

09/06/2026

Tuesday Throwback: Penthouse Theatre in the City Voice, 20 May 1999.

This front-page feature marked a special milestone for Penthouse Cinema, celebrating 60 years since the cinema first opened in Brooklyn as The Vogue in 1939. The article traces the building’s colourful history, from its early days as a suburban picture theatre to its years as a television studio in the 1960s, before reopening as the Penthouse in 1976.

By 1999, Penthouse was described as Wellington’s only suburban cinema still operating commercially. The article captures both the charm and challenge of running an independent cinema, noting that being independent had been difficult at times, but local support had helped keep the theatre alive.

To celebrate the anniversary, Penthouse hosted a charity screening of Notting Hill, complete with red carpet, champagne, old film posters, original projectors, and staff dressed in 1930s style. Proceeds from the premiere went to the Wellington City Mission.

It is a wonderful snapshot of Penthouse history, and a reminder of the cinema’s long connection with Brooklyn, Wellington audiences, and independent film culture.

08/06/2026

We are coming close to... Disclosure Day.

See it first on Wednesday, June 10th at Penthouse Cinema.
https://www.penthousecinema.co.nz/movie/disclosure-day

08/06/2026

A snapshot of last night with Different Strokes Wellington. Fundraising to help get them to the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia, Spain.

Screening Light in the Water, an incredible documentary about the birthday and life of West Hollywood Aquatics, the first openly gay masters swim team. A warm and moving documentary about community and belonging.

All the best at the games, Nathan and the DWS team !