Labia Theatre, Cape Town

Name: Labia Theatre
Address: Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 424 5927

#22 among attractions in Cape Town

Nightlife, Theater, Concerts and shows, Cinema

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, the Labia Theatre stands as a cherished gem among cinema enthusiasts and a beacon of cultural heritage. This independent movie theatre, with its quaint charm and old-world ambiance, offers a unique cinematic experience far removed from the commercial multiplexes that dominate the film industry today.

Originally opened in 1949 by Princess Labia as a theatre for live performances, the Labia has since transitioned into a cinema, becoming a beloved venue for those seeking a diverse range of films. From art-house movies and foreign films to documentaries and classic cinema, the Labia Theatre's selection is as eclectic as the patrons it attracts.

The theatre's architecture and interior decor hark back to an era of elegance and intimacy. Its traditional ticket booth, cozy lounges, and the original hand-painted movie posters add to the nostalgic experience, making a visit to the Labia Theatre feel like a step back in time.

The Labia Theatre is not only the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa but also a testament to the city's commitment to preserving cultural landmarks. It has survived the test of time and the advent of modern cinema technology, maintaining its analogue projectors alongside digital ones to ensure that all film formats can be screened.

As a venue, the Labia Theatre is more than just a place to watch movies; it is a space where film lovers gather to indulge in the shared passion for storytelling and cinema. It has a loyal following of locals, while tourists often stumble upon it and are delighted by the discovery.

With a fully licensed bar, patrons can enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer with their popcorn, adding to the relaxed and sociable atmosphere that has become a signature of the Labia experience.

Open seven days a week, the theatre provides a vibrant schedule of screenings, often including special events, film festivals, and director Q&As, fostering a community of cinema enthusiasts and creating an interactive platform for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Local name: LabiaOpened: 16 May 1949 (75 years ago)Coordinates: 33°55'48"S, 18°24'44"E

Address

GardensCape Town South Africa

Contact

+27 21 424 5927

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Cape Town

Day trips

Labia Theatre – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St. George's Cathedral, Statues of Louis Botha, Iziko South African National Gallery, Company's Garden.

0.5 miNE
Church, Sacred and religious sites
St. George's Cathedral, Cape Town
14 min walk • St. George's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and history in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. This Anglican cathedral, constructed in the late 19th century, is not only a place of worship but also a site of cultural and political significance.
0.4 miE
Monuments and statues
Statues of Louis Botha
12 min walk • The Statues of Louis Botha stand as a testament to South Africa's complex history, serving as monuments to a controversial figure in the nation's past. Louis Botha was the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa and a key military leader during the Second...
~1580 ftE
Major museum for African and European art
Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town
8 min walk • The Iziko South African National Gallery stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Cape Town, showcasing a rich tapestry of art that spans both historical and contemporary works. This premier art museum is not just a repository of artworks but a vibrant space for the...
~1710 ftNE
Park, Garden
Company's Garden, Cape Town
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, lies the verdant oasis known as the Company's Garden. This historic park, established in the early 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, was originally created as a refreshment station for ships passing the Cape...
~1840 ftNE
Memorial
Cecil John Rhodes Statue, Cape Town
9 min walk • The Cecil John Rhodes Statue is a monument erected at Company's Garden in Cape Town. The statue was erected in 1908. It features a full body replica of Rhodes wearing a three-piece suit, standing with his left hand raised and pointing north.
0.5 miS
Park, Playground, Art Nouveau architecture
De Waal Park, Cape Town
14 min walk • De Waal Park is a public park and heritage site in the Oranjezicht suburb of Cape Town. The park, which contains over 120 species of trees, is popular with dog walkers. The park is roughly rectangular. Molteno Dam borders the park to the south, with the other three sides bordered by roads.
~870 ftNE
Fossils, animals and man-made artifacts
Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town
5 min walk • The Iziko South African Museum is a South African national museum located in Cape Town. The museum was founded in 1825, the first in the country. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden since 1897. The museum houses important African zoology, palaeontology and archaeology collections.
0.5 miE
Museum
Rust en Vreugd
13 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, Rust en Vreugd stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of the region. This elegant Dutch colonial house, built in 1777-1778, was originally the country residence of Willem Cornelis Boers, a high-ranking...
0.6 miNE
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Slave Lodge, Cape Town
15 min walk • The Slave Lodge is a South African social history museum located in Cape Town. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden.
~1700 ftSW
Area
Gardens, Cape Town
9 min walk • Gardens is an inner-city suburb of Cape Town located just to the south of the city centre located in the higher elevations of the "City Bowl" and directly beneath Table Mountain and Lion's Head.
~1520 ftNE
Library
Centre for the Book, Cape Town
8 min walk • The Centre for the Book is a building situated next to the Company's Gardens in Cape Town. The building is run for the state by an independent organization of the same name, to promote literacy, reading, publishing and for conferences, symposia, training courses and exhibitions pertaining to these.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Labia Theatre?

Nearby attractions include St. James Church, Cape Town (4 min walk), Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town (5 min walk), Iziko Museums, Cape Town (5 min walk), Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town (6 min walk).

How to get to Labia Theatre by public transport?

The nearest stations to Labia Theatre:

Bus

Hidding Campus • Lines: Upper Campus - Hiddingh Campus (2 min walk)
Michaelis • Lines: 101 (3 min walk)

Train

Cape Town (25 min walk)