O Cinema South Beach

I've been going to this cinema since the old Film Society opened at this historic location as the Miami Beach Cinematheque fifteen years ago, with Dana Keith's collection of movie memorabilia, huge library, and art-house programming. O Cinema sustains the old Cinematheque's character in screening selections and sense of cultural center. (And recently had to expand that to "defender of democracy".) The current management is wonderfully hospitable and focused on quality on site at every level (and working to improve the phone system). Friends and I LOVED "Marty Supreme", a film perfect for this intimate setting. We'll be at all three films on the January program. Have a look.

I came to this theater because they were the only ones playing a specific film I was very excited to see. The theater itself is inside the old city hall which is a very cool spot. It is an intimate theater with a lot of memorabilia from old movies that was a joy to explore before the film started. The popcorn they have is from a local pre-packaged company and it was yummy and re-sealable so I was able to take it home for a snack. They have a basket of posters from the movies they've shown next to the register so look through for an unexpected treasure! The seats are old school, so don't expect big recliners. This is a theater reminiscent of a time when movie-going was a community event. Picture was high quality, sound was clear and loud. Highly recommend!

Beautiful historic structure perfect for intimate screening and events.

Haven’t come here often, but it’s a joy every time! I’ll be making the effort to come around more. Awesome selections of movies they play here. Great Ambience and Decorations. You can really tell the people that run this place care about community and film — that’s what makes it special.

Located inside the Old City Hall building the O Cinema South Beach is a fantastic theater to see a film. We loved the way the theater is decorated. The seats were comfortable. The picture was very clean and the sound was clear and at a great volume. The popcorn was fresh. We purchased two cans of Coca-Cola soft drinks. As you enter the Old City Hall building from the Washington Avenue entrance you will want to turn to the left. Parking was close at the Miami Beach Parking located at 512 12th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For us due to the holiday weekend the parking was a flat rate $20. We were told that parking would go back to regular pricing after the weekend. Not sure what that is. The staff was very friendly and super helpful. They even provided a little extra information about the film we saw that help enhance our experience after we arrived home.

Lovely little theatre! There’s a parking garage right behind it which is super convenient.

Thank you for screening No Other Land and for standing your ground as an independent cinema. To show this harrowing and necessary documentary was an amazing show of strength for films/movies. Governments should not dictate nor censor any films that the public wishes to see, cinema is for everyone. I'm grateful to have seen this in your location for the March 20th viewing. Thank you for being a voice for film and for showcasing all ranges of films/views and for freedom of expression/choice.

Really cool local theater. Would recommend it if you enjoy the cinema experience.

An amazing and resilient small arthouse theater showing some of the best unheard films and voices from overseas. Only one small theater auditorium but with very friendly and accommodating staff. I only wish I had more to donate and support them and their efforts. May they stay alive and open for years to come.

Great local resource showing a variety of films. Particularly important given that we don't have a lot of art houses in the South Florida area. Refreshing to have a small theater with comfortable seats that don't cost $30 a ticket. Highly recommended for a good film experience that supports a local business.

Love this place. The staff are super friendly and I always have meaningful conversations regarding the films. They are also great at informing us on future events. They have a great selection for candy and popcorn at decent prices. Theater is always clean and movies always start on time. Keep this local theater alive- it's a great place to watch all your indie movie favorites!

Keep up the good fight against censorship! Top tier theatre and staff. No Other Land showing was excellent and eye opening.

Thank you for showing films that need to be seen. Thank you for fighting censorship. Thank you for allowing all voices a platform to be seen and heard. Thank you

Big shout out to O Cinema! Thank you for standing your ground against Zionist Mayor of Miami Beach Steven Meitner. I would be watching "No other land" soon in your theater! Thank you for standing on the right side of history and freedom of speech

Came by to O Cinema recently to watch Bodies, Bodies, Bodies an A24 Film. I hadn't been to their South Beach location, only the location in North Beach. It's inside the Historic Miami Beach City Hall and has such great and charming decor. We purchased tickets in advanced and then arrived, the tickets were checked and a couple of chocolates and water were purchased for the movie. They have pins for sale and other little things. The only thing I would work on would be the sound system and how aligned the screen is. It might have been the movie, and how it was set up but the sound came in and out a bit. The chairs are a bit old but comfortable and really transport you like you're in an older and quaint theater. I definitely want to come back to catch another movie again soon!

LOVE THIS PLACE! I am a huge movie theatre and film buff since I was a kid. Sadly all the grand old school movie theaters on Miami Beach are gone but O Cinema in the old City Hall bldg on Miami Beach is amazing. Its local and close to my home. The movies are 1st rate, artsy and modern. They do have movie revivals here n there which is great! Its a small theater that packs a huge punch in film entertainment and love the decor of the place. Make sure to book your tickets early if its a popular film so you have a seat. The theater staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and they're just awesome. BTW, the refreshments are solid and great. So cya at the movies!!!

GO AT YOUR OWN RISK! New Covid measures are not safe as shown. It's an old building with an old ventilation system which no doubt has NOT been cleaned or fitted with proper filters. That aside.......every other seat (as shown in the email/adverts as well as YELP photos) is NOT 6 FEET APART!!! Nor are the keeping 6 FEET BETWEEN ROWS. If someone is wearing stinky perfume, you'd smell it. Well....clue in people.....respiratory droplets are much smaller than a perfume molecule, body odor or bad breath. If you can smell those things thru a mask.....it just means YOU are choosing to be in an unsafe environment. Negligent businesses can be ignorant and negligent. It's YOUR CHOICE to avoid ignorant environments.

I'd give it 4 stars but the last two times I have visited, the concession attendant was obnoxiously loud during the entire screening of the film. Slamming the register, talking, pulling in and out drawers. Zero consideration for those literally sharing the room with him. I will not be coming back here

I finally got the chance to visit the Cinematheque, not just as a lover of Art Deco and Mediterranean architecture and preserved historical buildings, but as a lover of independent, cultural films, as well. I came this past Saturday night to see "Songs My Brothers Taught Me", a documentary/drama film that was well-received at Sundance. Housed in the former Miami Beach City Hall, this makes for a lovely, intimate place to host an art cinema. The building dates from 1927, when it was built as City Hall, in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. City Hall has now moved into a modern building, and naturally, such a beautiful building was destined to be kept in use. That is where the Miami Beach Cinematheque comes in, playing foreign and indie films. It makes for a very cozy and elegant venue. While the seating is not stadium-style, this was not an issue for me because there were only 4 other people in the theater. It is incredibly dark in there and it can become difficult getting to your seat if it's late, or if you need to use the restroom because the steps are not lit up, and I do not recall seeing a ramp. At the same time, this makes a film more enjoyable, since it will discourage people from coming late or getting up constantly throughout the film. There is only one screening room, so it can be a bit of a challenge sometimes to find a movie you want to see, and sometimes, they will only hold one or two showings of a movie in one day, so catching the film you want and at a convenient time can take some careful planning. The other disadvantage is that there are no cup holders on the seats, so if you buy a drink, you may have a hard time finding a place for it where it won't spill. As someone else mentioned, parking is painful, and it would be great if the theater could lease some spots for patrons, or have a garage nearby that they can use (a la Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale), even if it means we must pay for parking. Street parking is just scarce and circling around for half an hour is not for everyone! I am not sure if they have considered this, but I think this would make a great place to host poetry readings, intellectual discussions in a format like the TEDx talks, maybe some live performances of jazz as well and some art exhibits. It would also make for a cool hangout for people to come grab a drink and lounge around, as they have tons of reading material on their shelves.

Small repertoire movie house right in the middle of South Beach developed by the Miami Beach Film Society. Their screening room is small by today's standards(seats about 50 viewers), but not tiny. Their location is in a 1925 Mediterranean Revival hotel. Pretty NEAT! They show a bunch of foreign films, independent flix, classics and they hold other events there as well. Get on their mailing list!

There's something nice about going to a small room to watch an indie flick that usually has some kind of awards or raving reviews from someplace over the rainbow. And it probably helps that I get some bucks off using the student discount! Us poorbies need to save some moolahs to live on by! I saw The Last Mistress (wonderful French flick btw), and I can't wait to see some upcoming films from China and Chile (with English subtitles, of course) this month! One star off for the uncomfy chairs at the last row. But then again, I shouldn't have been one of the last person coming in!

Although I miss the intimacy as well as the proximity of the old Española Way location I can appreciate the spaciousness of this new one. The staff is still welcoming and friendly and they still play high quality well selected independent, foreign (my favorite), and classic films.

Attended a movie premiere here a few months ago ("House That Jack Built" - Director's Cut). The movie was sold out and the place was packed, but everyone was able to sit comfortably in the theatre. Definitely, an interesting art-house style theatre featuring out of the ordinary flicks. I was able to find decent parking about 2 blocks away from the venue, so that was a plus considering the location. Would definitely visit again.

I went here with my daughter to see a Colombian Movie called Sumas y Restas - "addition and subtraction" - the place is quaint and small, which makes it for a very cozy experience - sort of like sitting in a friend's house watching a movie. The staff was very cordial and forthcoming with information and assistance. The location is unbeatable... we came out of the movie and enjoyed a bottle of Italian wine along with excellent food at an establishment down the street soon to be "yelped" Like Marcos says... get on their mailing list and come here as often as you can.

This place is truly a hidden gem!! For anyone that is into the cinema, you will really enjoy this spot. The lobby is fully decked out with drinks and treats! Their are books from top to bottom and the attendant is as sweet as can be! We watched "Mary Shelly" tonite, and I'm so glad we were able to have this experience at the Miami Beach Cinematheque! Since not many people know about this place, it draws in small crowds which is a God send in the seas of people that flock to Miami. Thanks for creating such a creative space for films to be enjoyed at!! Don't second guess this place..GO!!

A little gem on South Beach, the Miami Beach Cinematheque & Gallery is the perfect location to catch that foreign or independent film you've been dying to see! Instantly you're greeted by a welcoming staff member. As you purchase your ticket, you also have the option of buying concession snacks. From chocolates to Nepresso, you can pretty much satisfy your sweet tooth here. The building is pretty cool. You can walk around and check out some books or photography they have before your movie begins. Seating is intimate and limited. Anywhere from 30 to maybe 50 seats. Not your typical theater which makes it appealing and carry a charm of its own. I definitely see myself coming back again in the near future!

A cute space, with a knowledgeable manager and a very interesting selection of movies. They've even been known to let our dog attend on occasion. My only substantial complaint is that they tend to show the same preview over and over again for weeks on end, accompanied by the same lecture-- even when the crowd is small and almost all repeat players. In some sense, this is understandable. But when that preview is Lars von Trier's clitordectomagraphical Antichrist, it can make it almost not worth it to go.

Watched The Square here. If you love film, you probably already know about this spot. If you're falling in love with film, watch one here. Staff is friendly!

It's totally like when you watch a movie at home, except for the fact that you pay $10 for it. And then there's the knowledgeable host whom provides historical and biographic context and anecdotes prior to the viewing. And the plethora of high end chocolates, cookies, and treats. And the espresso machine and top shelf syrups. And the neat memorabilia. And the drag queens, hipsters, wanderers, cinephiles, and ordinary folk who also love indie, classic, and small release films. But, other than that, it's totally like watching a movie at home.

Say you've gone on a few dates with someone slightly special and you're looking to take'm somewhere they never knew existed. Or maybe your love life has grown a little stale and you're looking to spend some alone time (-actual- alone time) away from your nagging significant other. Or maybe you're even looking for the chance to lock eyes with that sensitive indie-heart that just-gets-it! Miami Beach Cinematheque is ideal. Aside from their lack of liquor offerings, there just isn't anything less than stellar about this establishment. Sitting in the theater for a fiiiiilm, as they say, feels reminiscent of all those afternoons spent in your billionaire great-grandfather's creaky but splendid and gorgeously appointed salon. With dark wood and topless shelves of books, this grand (but petite, because it is modest) the-A-ter, hits the spot when it comes to limited release and indie flicks. Skip Mansion and drag your stilettos to MBC!

Often in Miami people and I amongst them complain about the lack of indie films in town and yet I'd never been to MBC (Miami Beach Cinematheque). And so I'm sending my apologies to anyone who ever heard my complain, to the universe for complaining, and to MBC for not recognizing all you do. I went to go see an indie flick there. I fell for its name first, just fyi it's In Search of a Midnight Kiss. (http://www.yelp.com/events/miami-beach-in-search-of-a-midnight-kiss) and so I looked up a time and date and headed over there. As soon as I started walking down Española way I knew I was in for something different from the norm. I noticed the chalkboard with the scheduled movies and stepped inside. I was greeted by the concession stand complete with espressos, Toblerone bars, and vegan cookies. I was told this isn't their usual all out spread and quickly made a mental note to come back during the snack extravaganza that must be their norm. I'd heard from a few people about this place having uncomfortable seats but I thought the seating was fitting, that is to say charming and simple. The majority of the seats are director's chairs and I believe there is a loungey looking seat for two in the middle. So there I am with my vegan cookie sitting in the director's chair and listening to the film's intro and some background info. And then the film begins and its HD and the sound is good. Of course i had a great view but then again it was a Monday night so it wasn't packed. The best part of the experience is the camaraderie felt the moment you step into this boutique indie theater. There is something magical in the movie going experience that almost hints to old rituals. In fact at one point in the movie there is a scene where the protagonists visit an old movie theater in LA and talk about what those old theaters must have been like in their splendor days. And while sitting in this very different theater, I understood that pomp, circumstance, and gilded ceilings aside the real magic lay in the communal ritual of enjoying entertainment as a group in this case the film going experience together and appreciating it for something special. No not the usual packed, stadium seating, mega, jumbo cinaplex that sometimes feels more like a theme park maze than a movie theater, screaming kiddies included. So next time you want to go somewhere to watch a smart movie, support a local, boutique cultural organization, and have a quiet, relaxing experience espresso included you know where to go.

Vey awesome theater with a hipster vibe to it! A must go for film fans in south beach.

Independent and foreign movie aficionados will love this cinema. Located inside historic Miami Beach City Hall, the cinema has one screen in what feels like an intimate cinema-going experience. The inside of the cinema clean and decorated with books, photographs and artwork that momentarily transport you out of the SoBe scene to a place where thoughtful and provocative ideas are highly welcomed (or, at least that was my immediate reaction to the vibe created by the decor). The staff at the concession stand is friendly and can provide you with coffees and light snacks. Oh, and they don't serve wine. Hopefully that will change soon. Inside the theatre, the seats are comfy; there are 2 or 3 that will have somewhat of an obstructed view so try to get there early for more popular features. There are no cup holders on the armrests, so make sure to sip your drink, if you bought any, before you sit. The main features, the decor, the architecture, the staff and the overall vibe makes this cinema a great one to visit. As another Yelper wrote, "A gem to have in Miami."

This place is adorable what a hidden gem on South Beach. I been living in South Beach most my life and never even realized this place exsisted. I few friends wanted to see an independent film that was showing here. I love the location you come out and you are right on Washington. Parking in the area is very easy there is plenty of street parking, or a lot on 10th street. The movies are listed online in a calendar of all their showings, and time for the month. I purchased my ticket online before, just went up and gave them my name when I came in. Place is adorable, seats were comfortable. Not to much culture in Miami so this was nice and different to do on a Saturday night.

Sick and tired of the megaplexes? Looking for an alternative? Searching for that hard to find film that seems not to be playing at the big boys because they are stocked with the Hollywood tentpoles. THen you are in lunck! This place is great! Friendly! and educatoinal! YEs films can be educational. I finally made it down here to watch Snowpiercer last week because it was not going to be playing at any other theatre in South Florida. It is a cute little indie art house cinema house that also has some really cool Miami movie memoriablia around the place so you can browse before the show. Seating is vey comfy and they have a small assortment of snacks and drinks. I really enojoyed my experience watching Snowpiercer and the cool thing is they usually have something special going on for each month spotlighting a director, genre etc. This month they are featuring Bong Joon Ho's films every Thursday at 7pm. Verdict - A great change for all you movie goers when you want to see soemthing different and experience a nice intimate movie going experience. It's great support the local business and keep it here so we can be previlged to recieve these indie/rare special films out there.

I love independent movie houses and this place is literally 4 blocks away from my house. So this is obviously a marriage made in heaven! I went this past weekend to See Ryan Gosling's film, "Only God Forgives". I have been to the MB Cinematique one time before that and every time I go I ask myself why I don't come here more often. The space is really cool, they usually have an exhibit around the seating area, and the concession stand has some high-end snacks and Nespresso, so I'm basically sold there. The seating is intimate which is usually fine but this film really brought people out. It was jam-packed. My only complaint is that the seating isn't sloped enough so sometimes, as was the case when I went there this weekend, if someone sits in front of you with a hat or if they are tall, they will block parts of the screen. All this aside though it's a great venue and I'm seriously considering becoming a member. I did notice that they have a cafe that they set up outside facing the police station, but they did not have this set up saturday night when I went. I don't know if they did that because there was another showing shortly thereafter but it would have been nice to have the cafe open outside to discuss the movie with my friend.

What a gem to have in Miami! The new Art Deco-inspired location works wonders, the intimate space is lovely and cozy, and the staff is wonderfully warm. The generous film offerings are the interesting, indie flicks that I've grown to treasure.

It just an amazing place to go. It is a cultural gem in the middle of south beach. The theater is so pretty and the 1960s atmosphere is really interesting. The cinémathèque really worths regular visits !

Quaint yet extremely artsy cinema. Not your typical movie theater, which makes it that much more appealing. Recently rated best art cinema cafe. Great photographs and art work displayed. Staff was very welcoming and friendly. Looking forward to an Italian movie this Saturday and the reception at the Dream hotel.

Always expect a perfectly curated experience here. Great food and snacks if you come hungry.

Wow!! if you're into Indie films you gotta give this place a try and if you're not and are wasting your movie in the big movie theaters then you REALLY gotta check this place out. It's right on Washington Avenue so you can find parking either on a meter or in one of the garages at a reasonable price. The space is cozy and beautiful and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The viewing room is small and everything is brand new. The bathrooms are nicely stocked and very clean and the concession stand is perfect. The cappuccinos are hot and tasty, perfect pairing for a great movie. Perfect spot to take a date, you can walk around SOBE after or before the movie. Also perfect for a day or night out with friends. They have performances in the afternoon on weekends too. Give it a try, do something different.

Randomly came across this place because we wanted to see a documentary that was only playing here but we were not disappointed at all! This is a very small (I think 2 screen) movie theatre with a hipster, old school, trendy vibe that is quite enjoyable. The theaters are very small so definitely reserve tickets in advance but I like the smallness because it makes the theatre more comfortable and intimate. A few suggestions that would really make the theatre even better. (1) Parking. It would be great if they had some type of deal with a restaurant or hotel nearby for cheap valet and advertised it. The only reason why I wouldn't go back in the future is for the hassle of parking alone but that is just the nature of South Beach. (2) Put a sign to prevent people from entering the front door while the movie is playing. The door kind of locks but people try it anyway and there should be a sign since this is obviously distracting. (3) Make slight improvements to the snack collection. Yes, the nespresso is awesome but when I was there, they were out of cookies and chips. We got the crackers but they were gross and you surely could do much better! The snacks are really great but I think there is still some room for improvement to make them even better by paying attention to quality. Overall though, loved the theatre and most definitely will be going back and recommending to others!!

Wonderful experience! I bought my ticket online a few days before I went to see "The Look of Silence". I was given my ticket right away and was told that no one else had come yet so I might have a private showing! That would have been very cool, but no such luck! I was able to walk around to look at the gallery before the show started and was loved seeing all of the artifacts! I had a wonderful experience and look forward to coming back.

I'm a born Miamian. As such, I tend to get agitated when locals bitch about the lack of (insert cliche complaint here) in our fair city. Of course what most fail to realize is that what makes other cities so badass is that their citizens tend to stay in the city and give back to it. They open their own bars or coffeehouses or art galleries or whatever it is they felt was missing and, viola!, a scene is built. For most SoFla locals, however, it's much easier to bitch and ditch South Florida and, viola!, that is how a scene stays forever floundering. Which is one of the things that makes MBC and it's owner/proprieter/film guru Dana so freaking amazing. Dana is not a local (came here from LA by way of Indiana-I think?), fell in love with the beach but immediately realized the absence of an independent theater (anyone remember the fate of the Absinthe House and the Alcazar?). But instead of complaining to everyone within ear shot, Dana did something about it. That something is one of the single greatest institutions (that's right! institution!) Miami has to offer. I can go on and on about all the great movies I've seen there, both new and old, and about the famous directors that have graced MBC with killer lectures and premiers, but I won't. I'll simply say that if you haven't made the pilgrimage yet to this movie mecca, what are you waiting for? See for yourself what awesome looks like when people invest their heart and soul into the things they love.

The perfect theater the people that don't like going to crowded movies. Seats about 30 - 50 people. Priced at 10$ for adults. It's a tiny place where you won't find any block buster movies, but you find great independent films. Everything they play is off beat, hand picked and guaranteed to be good. Nice selection of gourmet chocolate and treats. Before the movie starts the host gives a brief intro to the movie with interesting tid bits of information about the flick your about to watch and future movies they will be playing playing.

i first came to this hidden treasure on south beach about 4 years ago. i always wanted to go back and am unsure why i waited so long. you would never think that such a quaint beautiful cozy place exists in the heart of touristy south beach. you feel like you are watching a movie at a friends house. everything they have on display has been donated from the books to the artwork.. i got tickets to see broken embraces on saturday night and had an awesome night. they were running a bit late from the previous showing, so we waited outside in an organized line. and then it took a while to get everyone seated and comfortable. but overall it was a great night! heads up. they are relocating a few blocks down to a larger space but he promises to maintain the charm and overall feeling.

Enjoyed watching the Oscar Nominated Short Films at Miami Beach Cinematheque. I'll be back!

What an absolutely beautiful theater. It is very creatively decorated and the seats are very comfortable. It has a very friendly local feel. My friend actually lost her wallet here when we were watching a film - it fell out of her purse. We went back the next night and they had the wallet waiting for her, all cards and cash were in tact.

Went to this place last weekend to watch a French film, "Blue is the Warmest Color," and we really had such an amazing experience. The lady at the front was so welcoming, and the place is just so charming. (Nothing like a huge theater where people are obnoxious, talking, texting, etc.). Everyone who's there is genuinely interested in watching, and you really get the full artistic experience. Can't wait to come back here!!

The Miami Beach Cinematheque is an absolute GEM of culture in South Beach. Featuring an amazing array of films and special events (like a great Sicilian Film Festival that was held a few weeks ago)--with a really beautiful and laid back vibe, this place is an absolute MUST!

The new location for the Miami Beach Cinematheque alleviates any and all issues the former location had. It's a fantastic setup that finally does great justice to the movies that are shown. I come here mostly for the revivals (probably the only theater in Miami that regularly screens classics). The rest of the films featured is the same wonderful indie fare that you'd likely indulge in at Film Forum in NYC (or at O Cinema, Bill Cosford or Tower Theater here in Miami, for that matter). Probably the best overall space of any of the Miami independent theaters.

Our first time there last night. Love the intimacy, class and selection of great films-for the true film aficionado. Love that is is for adults only and that they seem to change film selection almost every weekend. Only wish they had their own valet parking and some things we enjoyed at a similar theatre in Seattle area- full bottles of Veuve champagne in a bucket, popcorn served in a classy Veuve bucket and have to confess- Twizzlers (sorry doesn't sound classy but Twizzlers and champagne at a movie is pretty awesome! :)

So I joined as a member last week, and saw a movie that was boo'ed at Cannes with Ryan Gosling. It was one of the worst movies I've ever seen and am now concerned that this could be a place of the box office bombs. I felt like more of a science experiment of seeing if I/who would sit through it - rather than really any enjoyment or entertainment factor/value for the viewer. I say this because someone introduced the movie (as usual), but he actually told the female audience how to watch the movie. Seriously. He told us to do as the movie says and to "close our eyes" (this was during the gory bloody human torture scenes). I wish I would have saved my $$$ and kept my eyes closed to the entire thing! Yuck!! I do enjoy non-mainstream movies - as in "good quality" movies. The movies coming up look decent - here's to hoping it gets much MUCH better!

Thoroughly enjoyed a night at the cinemathique. The space is gorgeous, the film was stimulating, and the espresso & popcorn were delicious. The old city hall building is lovely from the outside & they've added an artsy touch to the inside with some lovely metalwork along the handrails & the archway of the door. The movies offered here are award winning films recognized at Cannes & other international Film Festivals. The snacks included popcorn, chocolates, Italian sodas, Nespresso, and more. Will definitely return!

A must do if you live in Miami! It is the only place to watch independent movies all the time, the most quirky and interesting events take place here. Very kind staff, very interesting movies, I love this place.