Mon & Tue: 5.30pm – 11pm
Wed–Sun: 3pm – 11pm
Please check the website for up to date listings.
The Ultimate Picture Palace is an independent and community-owned cinema located on the Cowley Road. The cinema is run by a small team of film fanatics who pick the programme, screening a mix of independent, international, and classic films. They also have special events including director Q&As, expert talks, charity fundraisers, and live music (sometimes as an accompaniment to the film!).
The art deco one-screen auditorium has 108 seats and a small bar at the back serving drinks and snacks. They don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers for upcoming films and then straight into the main feature. The UPP is open every day of the week. They also have Kino Kids Cinema Club showing family classics every other Sunday afternoon as well as Parent & Baby screenings (for parents and babies under 1) every other Thursday. Memberships are also available. offering free and discounted tickets all year round.
Listen to Tom’s interview on the Indie Oxford Podcast ahead of their community share offer in 2022.
Working at a cinema is a bit of a dream job, but working at Oxford’s only independent cinema is even better! I love the history of the UPP, I love the fact that we can completely do our thing (no adverts being a massive bonus), and I love that our customers have a really great relationship with the staff and volunteers who run the place. Watching loads of films as a perk of the job isn’t bad either!
– Tom Jowett, Manager
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