Les Cinémas du Grütli in Geneva: the young-audience cinema from age 4

The cinema of the Maison des Arts du Grütli

Set on Rue du Général-Dufour, right in the heart of Geneva, Les Cinémas du Grütli are a public, cultural cinema with a strong educational mission. Two auditoriums — the Michel Simon hall (196 seats) and the Henri Langlois hall (59 seats) — host films from all over the world, from every era. It is the Geneva cinema most geared towards young audiences, with a genuine programme designed for families. A lovely place to introduce children to the big screen.

What your children will discover

The Grütli offers a young-audience programme from age 4, with films chosen for children. Each summer, the “Le grand écran pour les enfants” cycle puts the youngest in the spotlight from June to August. The cinema also runs film and animation workshops from age 6, where children make their own short films. Enough to go from spectator to little film-maker.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You get your ticket (online or at the box office, which opens 15 minutes before the first screening), and settle into one of the two halls. The atmosphere is that of a big house of culture, warm and open. Beyond the young audience, the Grütli brings cinema to life in all its forms, with a rich schools programme.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 4 years for the young-audience screenings; workshops from age 6
• Duration: allow 1 to 2 hours depending on the film
• Price: standard CHF 15, reduced CHF 10, concessions (seniors, students, young people) CHF 8, special programmes CHF 5
• Booking: online via the programme page or at the box office
• Transport: tram and bus stops “Cirque” and “Place de Neuve”; Plainpalais car park about 200 m away
• Accessibility: two wheelchair-accessible halls (one space per hall); assistance dogs welcome
• Best season: all year round, and summer for the children’s cycle

Tips from parents

• Aim for the summer cycle “Le grand écran pour les enfants” (June to August) for films chosen for them.
• From age 6, sign your child up for a film workshop to make a short film.
• The reduced and concession rates make the outing very affordable.
• Make the most of the central location (Place de Neuve, the Bastions park nearby) to extend the outing.
• Check the language of the screening, especially for the youngest.

Useful information

• Address: Rue du Général-Dufour 16, 1204 Geneva
• Official website: cinemas-du-grutli.ch
• Opening hours: according to the programme (check the website)
• Getting there: tram/bus “Cirque” or “Place de Neuve”; Plainpalais car park nearby

Why we recommend it

Because it is the most family-friendly cinema in Geneva: a young-audience programme from age 4, a dedicated summer cycle, workshops to step behind the camera, gentle rates and two accessible halls. A complete cultural outing, in any weather.

In a nutshell

Geneva’s public, educational cinema, young audience from age 4, a summer cycle for children and film workshops. Central and accessible.