AREA MAP

Close Map

Click to plan your day
X
Planner
Add Pins

It looks like your itinerary Planner is empty

Go to 'Add pins' and start building your planner now

Near Me

Why not visit

< Back

London Eye

The London Eye
Riverside Building
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7PB

0.5km from your location
Learn More

BFI IMAX

BFI IMAX
UK's Largest Cinema Screen

BFI IMAX

Update: the BFI IMAX will be reopening from Wednesday 26 August, with Christopher Nolan's latest movie TENET. 

Seeing a film at the BFI IMAX is like nothing else - digital surround sound, a screen almost as high as five double-decker buses, 489 seats (including 69 premier seats), and that's just inside the auditorium.  The giant glass drum of the BFI IMAX, London's (in fact, the UK's) largest state-of-the-art cinema, boasts a 20m by 26m cinema screen and a sound system of over 12,000 watts.

It was originally designed by Bryan Avery Architects and completed in 1999. The venue as won a number of prestigious awards at the time of opening, including a Design Council Millennium Product Award in 1999 and a Civic Trust Award in 2000. BFI IMAX is owned by the British Film Institute and since July 2012 it has been operated by ODEON Cinemas.

Although the IMAX has an underground line just four metres below, it is totally sound and vibration-proof, with the entire upper structure sitting on anti-vibration bearings. Film lover's book tickets and travel from across Europe for the immersive experience of the latest blockbuster or classic re-release.

There's also a Costa Coffee, Yog, a bar and even a beer garden! The very latest IMAX films, some old favourites and highlights from ODEON Plus as well as educational films all add up to a really big experience.

Covid-19 Reopening

The BFI IMAX is reopening on Wednesday 26 August.

Covid-19 Safety Measures

As our attractions and venues begin to re-open, the highest hygiene and safety precautions are being followed to ensure the experience is safe for all. 

For further information on the safety measures ODEON are putting in place, please see here. 

Contact

T +44330 333 7878
E Contact by Email
W BFI IMAX Website

Opening times

BFI IMAX opens at 10.30am and closes 15 minutes after the last public screening commences – check the website for the current programme.

 

Admission

  • Average Standard Adult Ticket prices from £18.50, Child £13.00
  • Prices vary depending on ticket type and time of day.
  • Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children)  - Standard Ticket from £52.00
  • Groups can consist of any combination of adults, children and concessions.
  • For Full Tickets Pricing Information, Click Here

Accessibility

• All public areas are accessible by lift.

• The cinema has up to eight wheelchair spaces and induction loop facilities. 

book tickets

Events

No results...

did you know?

  • The IMAX screen is more than 20m high (nearly the height of five double-decker buses) and 26m wide
  • The BFI IMAX Waterloo was the highest grossing IMAX cinema in the world for Star Wars: The Force Awakens
  • Over 350,000 guests visit the cinema a year, consuming over 30,000kg of popcorn, 7,000 litres of fizzy drinks and over 10,000 portions of nachos and hot dogs
  • The BFI IMAX Waterloo is famous for their all-nighter events- for the true hard-core fans! 
  • The new IMAX screen was made in Canada and once unpacked it took a team of ten strong riggers to haul the 800kg of perforated vinyl up the full 20 metres height of the screen under the supervision of an IMAX engineer.It took 48 hours for all the creases to drop out of the new white screen. 

WHERE
IS IT?

BFI IMAX

1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,
South Bank,
London
SE1 8XR

We Think You'll like

Boom Cycle Waterloo

Boom Cycle puts the fun factor into getting your sweat on!

Spiritland

Beautifully-styled 180-seat restaurant and bar. 

Leake Street Arches

A celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment live from Waterloo. 

Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre

Creating an inspirational neighbourhood 

Witness for the Prosecution

It's classic Agatha Christie. We'll see you in court!

Morley College

A free gallery space and a host of exciting events and talks all year round. 

gallery@oxo

gallery@oxo showcases a varied programme of photography, contemporary design, architecture and issue-based exhibitions.

City Cruises

The No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames - choose from afternoon tea, sundowner and even Elvis cruises.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Stylish river fleet, running every 20 minutes between key London piers.

Jubilee Gardens

Jubilee Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park situated in the heart of South Bank, behind the London Eye.

Drawing Room

Secret bar in the BFI Southbank (behind the bookcase!)

National Theatre

The internationally-renowned venue presents new writing, classics, comedies and musicals. 

BFI Southbank

A four-screen cinema venue showing a huge selection of classic and contemporary films.

IWM London

IWM London tells the stories of those whose lives have been shaped by war through the depth, breadth and impact of their Galleries, displays and events.

Pizza Express

Pizza Express Italian restaurants provide exceptional quality food such as pizza and pasta as well as live music, takeaway and table bookings, always in style.

Bernie Spain Gardens

A relaxing riverside open space, nestled between Oxo Tower and Gabriel's Wharf.

Bargehouse

The raw, industrial space programmes exhibitions and events, displaying the best in art & design.

Park Plaza London Waterloo

Park Plaza's latest, stunning hotel arrives in Waterloo.