Cinematheque

Cleveland's year-round alternative film theater.

The Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque is one of the country’s best repertory movie theaters, according to The New York Times. Founded in 1986, the alternative film theater shows classic, foreign, and independent films 50 weekends of the year. Screenings take place in CIA's state-of-the-art Peter B. Lewis Theater, which opened in 2015 and features a 36-foot-wide screen, 4K digital and 35mm film projection, and Dolby Digital 7.1 sound. 

Everything the Cinematheque shows is a Cleveland exclusive at the time of its showing, and most films show theatrically no place else in the region. The Cinematheque is open to the general public but offers discounted tickets to all CIA students and those age 25 and under. It contributes to the richness of the college’s public programming in the arts.

Our Films

Find out what’s showing (and streaming) at the Cinematheque on the Film Schedule page. (Our current online offerings are also listed on our Virtual Cinema page.) To find a specific movie quickly, click on the magnifying glass above and enter the film title to search.

Admission Prices 

Prices below are for theatrical screenings. Selected new releases and restored classics can also be watched online in our Virtual Cinema. The price of "virtual cinema" offerings varies (see individual listings), and regrettably, there are no member discounts.

Single Film

General Admission: $11 (unless noted)
Member: $8 (unless noted; includes CIA & CSU ID holders)
Age 25 & under: $8 (unless noted; proof of age required)
Additional film on the same day: $8 or the member price for that film

The Cinematheque accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover as well as cash and checks. Tickets can be puchased in advance on this website (consult listings for individual films) and at the door when tickets remain. Special events cost more than the prices above.

Membership Information

You can support classic, foreign language, and independent cinema while saving at least $3 off regular admission prices for one full year when you become a member.

Donate to the Cinematheque

To make an online donation to the Cinematheque, click on the link and choose “Cinematheque” from the drop-down menu.