Zinéma in Lausanne: the city’s smallest cinema, child-sized

Lausanne’s pocket cinema

Tucked away on Rue du Maupas, the Zinéma is the smallest cinema in the city: two tiny auditoriums (about fifteen seats each) and an adjoining café-bar, all run by an association of enthusiasts. You feel almost as if you were in a living room, right up close to the screen. It is an art-house cinema, championing independent films and the original version. A one-of-a-kind experience, perfect for a cosy outing away from the bustle.

What your children will discover

The Zinéma is not a classic children’s cinema, but its tiny size and warm atmosphere make it a lovely discovery for children who already love film. On the family side, two events are worth the trip: the Sunday brunch (with guest caterers) and, in summer, the free open-air cinema “10 Toiles sous les Étoiles” at the Mon-Repos park. Check the programme: it changes often.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

No booking here: you buy your ticket at the bar, about fifteen minutes before the screening, then settle into one of the two small auditoriums. The café-bar invites you to linger. It is the opposite of the multiplex: intimate, friendly, on a human scale.

Before you go

• Recommended age: rather from 5-6 years, for children who already enjoy cinema
• Duration: allow 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the film
• Price: full CHF 14, reduced CHF 10 (students and partner cards)
• Booking: no booking; tickets at the bar, about 15 minutes before the screening
• Transport: Maupas/Chauderon district; m2 metro (Riponne) or m1 (Flon) within walking distance, local buses
• Note: in summer, free open-air cinema at the Mon-Repos park
• Best season: all year round

Tips from parents

• As there is no booking, arrive a little early to get a seat (32 seats in total).
• Ideal for children already at ease with cinema, rather than for toddlers.
• Aim for the Sunday brunch for a different family outing.
• In summer, look out for the free open-air cinema “10 Toiles sous les Étoiles” at Mon-Repos.
• Check the language of the film: many screenings are in the original version.

Useful information

• Address: Rue du Maupas 4, 1004 Lausanne
• Official website: zinema.ch
• Opening hours: according to the programme (check the website)
• Getting there: Maupas/Chauderon district; m2 metro Riponne or m1 Flon, local buses

Why we recommend it

Because it is a unique cinema experience in Lausanne: tiny, warm, independent. For a family that loves to step off the beaten track, the Zinéma offers a cosy interlude, doubled with a café-bar and, in summer, a free open-air cinema.

In a nutshell

The smallest cinema in Lausanne (32 seats), art-house, café-bar and free open-air in summer. An intimate interlude on a child’s scale.