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The Stella Cinema has been voted one of the world most beautiful cinemas standing at no 16 in Time Out Magazine’s ranking. Reopening in 2017, the 1920s art deco-style cinema is a beloved landmark once again after years of dilapidation.
The Stella first opened in 1923 and has had many incarnations since. It was put up for sale in 2015 with an asking price of €1.75 million and eventually bought by the Press Up Group – aka Paddy McKillen jnr and Matt Ryan – which has built up a string of pubs and restaurants over the past few years.
The mission with the Stella has been to restore it to its 1920s art deco glory; aided by historical photos and research into the original cinema; the commercial project was inspired by luxury cinemas internationally.
The Stella in the 1920s had a capacity of 1,283, making it Ireland’s largest cinema at the time. But the refurb is going for a more luxurious, spacious experience, and will have capacity of just 216 (including 66 on the balcony). The single auditorium reverts to the original style of cinema stage, framed by curtains, with new wooden panelling to match the original panelling uncovered at the top.

The Stella Cinema, Rathmines, Dublin

Ticket and snack bar in the Stella Photograph: Bryan O’Brien


Where it diverts from the original is in the seating: the 2017 incarnation of the Stella has rows of deep leather armchairs and couches, with small circular snack tables, topped by lamps, beside them. In front of each seat is a leather ottoman to stretch the legs on to, and inside it a cashmere blanket for cosiness, and space to stow coats or bags.

Balcony in the Stella Cinema

Floor tiles in the Stella. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien

The Stella Cocktail Bar in the Stella Theatre. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien


The front row is of full-length, double bed sized loungers. It’s like vegging out at home, only at the cinema. With table service. All this glamour and comfort doesn’t come cheap; this is a destination cinema rather than the bog standard multiplex on the corner. Standard ticket prices are €19, seniors just slightly less, and children (for weekend family films only) €8. The yummy looking food menu doesn’t have prices attached yet – they are still working out portion sizes and where to pitch it – and cocktails are €11 to €13.
Upstairs and to the side, in what was once a dance studio, is the Stella Cocktail Bar, a decadent, velvet interior with a new roof light, over bar mirror and small outdoor terrace. It’s a cave to linger in before or after a film – or can be accessed separately from the street.