Golden Age Cinema and Bar

Golden Age Cinema and Bar is a 56 seat cinema and adjoining bar on the lower ground floor of Paramount House at 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. The room was built in 1940 as the screening theatrette for Paramount Pictures in Sydney and was used by film executives, critics and, during the Second World War, servicemen and women watching newsreels. The current owners restored it and opened the cinema and bar in 2013.

What is on

• New release and independent film, including Sydney exclusive seasons
• Curated film series and retrospectives
• Restorations, anniversary screenings and special events
• Live music
• A bar serving before and after screenings
• A shop selling books and cinema merchandise

The room

The cinema seats 56 in 1940s era chairs with velvet upholstery, sourced in Zurich during the restoration, and the vintage projection room was fitted with 2k digital projection. The adjoining bar, furnished in a David Lynch inspired style, seats 42 with standing room for up to 60. The cinema takes standing room up to 70.

Private hire

The cinema, the bar, or both together can be booked privately for events, product launches, corporate workshops, presentations, photoshoots and private screenings. The space has an in house AV system with tech support, air conditioning and catering options. Because the venue is open to the public on weekday nights and weekend afternoons and evenings, hire availability at those times is limited.

Common questions

When is Golden Age open?

The cinema and bar open from 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and from the middle of the day on Saturday and Sunday, running till late. Check the current times on their website before you go.

How many people does the cinema seat?

Fifty six seats, with standing room taking the room to about 70. The bar seats 42, with standing room up to 60.

Can I hire the venue?

Yes. The cinema, the bar or both are available for private hire, with a venue hire kit and private events menu on the website.

How do I book tickets?

Tickets are booked through the ticketing link on the Golden Age website for each film or event.

Where exactly is it?

Lower Ground, Paramount House, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. The office is separately located at Upper Ground, Paramount House, 55 Brisbane Street.

Location