Strand Arts Centre — Days Out NI

A picture house being brought back to life

The Strand opened in 1935 and is the last remaining art deco cinema in Northern Ireland. A £6.5m redevelopment, backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government and Belfast City Council, is restoring the building and adding upgraded cinema facilities, a licensed café, creative learning studios and new performance spaces. Because the works are ongoing, always confirm the current screening venue when you book.

Northern Ireland's last art deco picture house Films plus live events and classes Community arts programme Undergoing a £6.5m restoration Rooted in east Belfast since 1935

Good to know before you go:

The Strand keeps an active programme running through the redevelopment, mixing film screenings with live performance, workshops and community events. Check the What's On page for the current line-up and venue.

What to bring

🎟️Your bookingPopular screenings and opening weekends sell out — grab seats ahead online.

💷A bit of pocket moneyFor popcorn, a drink and the odd pick-and-mix.

🎬An eye on the certificateCheck the film’s age rating before you go with little ones.

🧥A layerScreens run cool with the air-con — bring something cosy.

Everything before you go

Type

Arts cinema and community arts centre

Tickets

Check current prices

Booking

Online and by phone

Accessibility

See the Access page on the official site for current arrangements

Address

156 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 1NY (registered home; confirm the current screening venue during redevelopment)

Questions

Before you go

How much are tickets?

Check current prices

Do I need to book?

Online and by phone

Is it accessible?

See the Access page on the official site for current arrangements

Getting there

Strand Arts Centre is at 156 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 1NY (registered home; confirm the current screening venue during redevelopment). Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around BelfastSee what else is close by More cinemas across NIBig screens and indie picture houses

The story

Ninety years on the Holywood Road

The Strand has been part of east Belfast life since 1935, the last of the city's grand art deco picture palaces still standing. It grew from a single cinema into a community arts centre showing film, staging events and teaching creative classes.

Its 90th year brought a £6.5m restoration to secure the building for the next generation, with upgraded screens, a licensed café and new spaces for performance and learning. Confirm the current venue when you book, and you can be part of the next chapter.