Overview
Sydney cinephiles, February 14 in 2024 doesn't just mean watching romantic movies. If you'd like to show your love for one of the city's favourite picture palaces for one of the last times, that's also on this year's agenda. The cinema: Palace Verona, which is shutting up shop after almost three decades, and celebrating one of its final evenings with a closing event on multiple screens featuring delightful Finnish comedy romance Fallen Leaves.
Back in 2023, Palace Cinemas announced that it'd say goodbye to its Oxford Street digs this year, with the company's lease on the site finishing and the building that the theatre is in is then set to be redeveloped. The venue's projectors will stop whirring towards the end of February, on Wednesday, February 21 — but the special event that will include a glass of sparkling, a heart-shaped chocolate and a Palace Verona tote bag as part of the ticket, plus an invite to a free screening at Palace's next venture, is its big last hurrah.
While Verona is calling cut on its time showing arthouse films, Palace Moore Park will open on Tuesday, March 5. Accordingly, Sydney movie lovers are swapping Paddington for Entertainment Quarter.
If you'd like to think of this as a relocation — or a reboot, if you prefer — you can. Entertainment Quarter already has Hoyts onsite, but Palace's venue will be solely devoted to arthouse and international cinema, rather than blockbusters. Indeed, Palace Moore Park is launching with this year's Alliance Française French Film Festival.
"As we bid farewell to Palace Verona, we want to express our sincere appreciation to all of our patrons who have shared in the magic of cinema within its iconic walls. The passion and enthusiasm you have shown over the years have truly made Palace Verona a cherished community landmark," said Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola when Verona's closing was first announced.
"We are committed to preserving the arthouse ethos that Palace Verona is renowned for and having that live on at Palace Moore Park," Zeccola continued.
"Moviegoers can expect an enhanced experience with an expanded range of films, more immersive events and, of course, our unwavering commitment to excellent hospitality".
The Verona building will fall under new management once Palace departs. Over at EQ, the chain names parking and public transport options among the new drawcards — and dining options as well.
Find Palace Verona at 17 Oxford Street, Paddington until Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and Palace Moore Park at Entertainment Quarter from Tuesday, March 5, 2024.