Introducing: Thornbury Picture House
Thornbury residents have another reason to smile: a gorgeous new cinema, converted by Melbourne film producer and seasoned cinema genius Gus Berger.
Gus’ decision to take on his big project in Melbourne’s bustling northside was a no-brainer.
“So many arts-minded people live out this way and there wasn’t an indie cinema catering to them.”
Now there is, however, thanks to Gus and his team. Here’s what you need to know about Thornbury Picture House.
(Photo Credit: Tinny Tang)
A Thornbury venue with rich history
The cool capital of Australia, Melbourne is no stranger to converted spaces. From hip warehouse rentals to cafes and boutiques in other industrial buildings, we’re all about taking a unique property and bending it to a new vision.
Even with all this innovation around, Thornbury Picture House might just be the first-of-its-kind: a cinema inside an 1920’s art-nouveau motor garage. The building was also one of Melbourne’s first drive-through petrol stations, although it did, for a time, abandon its automotive roots, serving briefly as a vintage furniture shop.
Berger and his team have been labouring extensively in the building, scraping back paint to show off the original tiles and reveal the building’s true glamour. The transformation is truly stunning and comes just in time as northsiders prepare for another chilly winter.
(Photo Credit: Tinny Tang)
Gus Berger’s big vision for Thornbury Picture House
In a world of Netflix binges at home, Berger hopes Thornbury Picture House will bring the suburb back to a time when the cinema was a community focal point. The project is a great sign for the the future of Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
“We hope to return to the magic of the early single screen cinemas that have flourished in the area for a hundred years. The programme will be carefully curated and the bar inviting. We won’t necessarily play the big blockbusters but we hope to cater to everyone in the area who loves film and going to the movies,” Gus reported to FilmInk.
(Photo Credit: Tinny Tang)
While Gus’ vision for the 57-seat cinema may be quaint, he’s not compromising on equipment. The venue boasts a six-mere screen and state of the art sound system. Thornbury Picture House is a perfect juxtaposition of new meets old. That Krix sound system, for example, will be playing to those sat in refurbished 1930s cinema seats in a theatre adorned with vintage posters and film equipment.
Inexpensive tickets will give you access to a huge range of independent films that you might not see at Hoyts or Event Cinemas. You’ll also be able to grab a drink at the bar, a perfect place to talk film with your fellow moviegoers.
To learn about more exciting developments in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, check out our full news hub.
