ABC Magdalen Street
Magdalen Street, Oxford, OX1 3AE, GB
Rating: 5.0 ★ (5 ratings)
Details
A cinematic landmark on Magdalen Street, originally opening its doors as the Oxford 'Super' Cinema on January 1st, 1924, has recently reopened as the Oxford Cinema & Cafe in May 2025. This venue premiered with Rudolph Valentino in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" and boasted a grand auditorium with 1,300 seats and a French Renaissance style lounge. It was notably the first cinema in Oxford to screen "talkies," beginning with "The Broadway Melody" in 1930. Throughout its extensive history, the cinema has seen several transformations, operating under names such as Super Cinema, ABC, Cannon, MGM, and most recently, Odeon, before its 2023 closure. The Grade II listed building is now under new independent ownership, aiming to blend its rich heritage with a fresh cinematic experience.
The newly revitalised Oxford Cinema & Cafe features two screens and a welcoming cafe in the foyer, offering a diverse programme from Royal Opera House broadcasts to cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". The new proprietors are passionate about the site's history and architecture, intending to create an atmospheric venue rather than a simple "black box" cinema experience. The main auditorium is one of the largest in the city, with 650 seats, and the new operators are keen to listen to the community to shape their film programming and even host live acts and music. This reopening marks a new chapter for a location that has been central to Oxford's film scene for a century, promising a blend of tradition and contemporary entertainment.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Comments
More comments will appear here over time.