Vince Scheynius: My 5 favourite cinemas in Stockholm

Five cinemas worth a visit

Stockholm is a city where the cinema is still more than just a place to watch a film. Here, you’ll find everything from architectural masterpieces to community-run neighbourhood cinemas, often with strong cultural programmes and a distinct identity.

Vince Scheynius is the CEO of Bio Skandia – the iconic cinema naturally holds a special place in his heart, but here he also highlights other cinemas in Stockholm that show why the big screen is still best experienced beyond your living room.

Bio Skandia is one of Sweden’s most iconic cinemas, renowned for its grand architecture and classic auditorium that still sets the tone for film experiences in Stockholm today.

1. Bio Skandia – the national treasure

“Widely regarded as Sweden’s most beautiful cinema and the unofficial national stage for film. Bio Skandia was designed by Sweden’s most renowned architect, Gunnar Asplund, and opened during the golden age of cinema in 1923. It is an architectural gem, recently ranked as the 68th best cinema in the world and designated a ‘European Film Heritage’ site by the European Film Academy. Bio Skandia is one of the few remaining single-screen cinemas in Sweden and also the best preserved.

In 2024, Bio Skandia was saved from permanent closure by the Stockholm International Film Festival Foundation through a crowdfunding campaign, with overwhelming support from Stockholmers. After eight years of being closed, the cinema has now reopened to the public, offering daily screenings and events year-round. We have also recently opened Bar Lido, Stockholm’s first dedicated film bar. At Bio Skandia, you can watch new releases, curated film classics, and experience films on both 35mm and 70mm.”

2. Bio Aspen – the cosy neighbourhood cinema

“The definition of a perfect neighbourhood cinema and a true cultural meeting place. Bio Aspen has mastered the concept of ‘more than just film’. You can come here for a concert, a jazz performance, or simply a coffee. It’s especially worth a visit in the summer, when their charming outdoor seating area comes to life. Bio Aspen has also preserved the furniture and 1950s interiors from the legendary Valand’s café – an architectural gem in its own right.”

3. Bio Capitol – a more luxurious cinema experience

“Bio Capitol is the place to go for a more refined and luxurious cinema experience, especially for those living in Vasastan, where the selection of cinemas is otherwise quite limited. Housed in a venue dating back to 1926, Capitol has a long history of different uses before being carefully renovated and reopened as a cinema a few years ago. A great tip is to try one of their afternoon tea screenings!”

4. Bio Kaskad – the 1950s gem

“In west Stockholm, there’s a real shortage of cinemas. Bio Kaskad is the only independent cinema in the area and plays an important role in Blackeberg. A tip is to check out their stand-up nights or themed screenings like knitting cinema or soup-and-film events. Bio Kaskad is a perfect example of a 1950s cinema built as part of a suburban square – at the time, the cinema was a natural fixture alongside the local pub, library and grocery store.”

5. Biocafé Tellus – the pride of Midsommarkransen

“Tellus is a small neighbourhood cinema dating back to 1920 that still hosts public screenings today. Run by volunteers, it also offers jazz evenings and concerts. The surrounding area features several nice restaurants and a lovely park – making a visit to Midsommarkransen more than just a trip to the cinema.”