Edinburgh’s iconic Filmhouse cinema is set to reopen on 27 June following a comprehensive £2 million refurbishment, marking a major milestone for the city’s cultural scene.
Closed since October 2022, the independent cinema has been restored and modernised thanks to a successful fundraising campaign and significant public investment.
The new-look Filmhouse features enhanced facilities, updated screening technology, and improved comfort for visitors. The relaunch will include three upgraded cinema screens and a redesigned foyer, with a fourth intimate 24-seat screen scheduled to open in July. Once fully operational, the cinema will offer a total of four screens and around 350 seats.
A cultural cornerstone for Edinburgh since 1978, Filmhouse has long played a central role in showcasing independent, international and arthouse cinema, as well as supporting local film festivals and educational outreach. The refurbishment project has ensured the venue’s future on Lothian Road for at least the next 25 years, thanks to a secured long-term lease with owners Caledonian Heritable.
The redevelopment has included roof and stonework restoration, new seating with improved legroom, and a redesigned Filmhouse Bar which now seats 100 people. The venue remains committed to sustainability, offering locally sourced food and drinks.
The £2 million transformation was made possible through a mix of community fundraising, public grants, and private donations. The ‘Open the Doors!’ campaign raised over £324,000, supported by thousands of cinema lovers across Scotland and beyond. Major contributions also came from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund (£1.54 million), Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.
Well-known Scottish actors and filmmakers, including Brian Cox, Emma Thompson, Dougray Scott, Charlotte Wells and Jack Lowden, publicly supported the campaign to save the beloved venue.
Filmhouse’s reopening programme will revisit critically acclaimed films missed during its closure and introduce a fresh lineup, including international cinema, live theatre broadcasts, and opera screenings. The venue also plans to enhance its educational offerings through partnerships with film schools and a new learning and engagement officer.
Under the leadership of newly appointed executive director Andrew Simpson, the Filmhouse aims to reconnect with its loyal audience and attract new visitors. The cinema is also expected to play a major role in this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, with more details to be confirmed soon.
As one of Edinburgh’s most treasured cultural institutions, the return of Filmhouse is being hailed as a significant boost to the city’s creative landscape, offering a world-class film experience at the heart of Scotland’s capital.
