Now Open: Palace Penny Lane Is Moonee Ponds' Brand-New Movie Haven with a Rooftop Cinema

When a new cinema starts its projectors, it's the gift that keeps on giving, no matter what time of year said picture palace opens its doors. So, Palace Penny Lane Cinema might've arrived just in time for 2023's biggest moviegoing day of the year, aka Boxing Day, but film lovers will be able to enjoy its flicks all year round from Thursday, December 21 onwards.

First announced in June, then locking in its launch date back in October, the latest addition to Palace Cinemas' Melbourne footprint features plenty of spaces to enjoy the big-screen experience: 11 traditional screens indoors, plus a rooftop cinema as well, in fact.

Wondering where to head? Palace Penny Lane is located on Puckle Street in the Penny Lane development — hence the name — which sits 6.5 kilometres out from Melbourne's city centre.

Shaney Balcombe

The opening lineup includes sneak peeks of Boxing Day titles before Tuesday, December 26, including the Emma Stone (Cruella)-starring Poor Things, the Anthony Hopkins (The Son)-led One Life, animated duck caper Migration and French comedy Two Tickets to Greece. From launch, Bottoms, Killers of the Flower Moon and Godzilla Minus One are also on the bill, alongside Wonka, Saltburn, The Boy and the Heron and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. And those Love Actually 20th-anniversary sessions that've been popping up? They're on here, too.

Palace Penny Lane joins the independent cinema chain's existing range of places to worship the silver screen around Melbourne, including the historic wonder that is The Astor and Pentridge's picture palace in an old prison. At the brand's newest digs, movie buffs will be immersed in the usual Palace experience. Think: leather recliners, 4K projection and, for fans of wine with their flicks, double pours.

Other titles on their way to the site include Ferrari, Priscilla, Next Goal Wins, Dream Scenario and May December — so, an Adam Driver (65)-starring and Michael Mann (Blackhat)-directed biopic, a different take on the Presleys from Sofia Coppola (On the Rocks), Taika Waititi's (Thor: Love and Thunder) based-on-a-true-story soccer comedy, Nicolas Cage haunting everyone's sleep and the latest from Carol filmmaker Todd Haynes.

Palace's Movie Club has also made the jump to the new venue, of course, if you like cheaper seats, free entry on your birthday and access to special events.

Find Palace Penny Lane Cinema on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds from Thursday, December 21 — head to the Palace website for further details.