📽 Capitol Bio & Bistro
🍿A Sophisticated Movie Experience
As part of our ongoing cinema guide series we’re taking a trip to experience the opulence and elegance of movie-going at the famed Bio & Bistro Capitol in Vasastan. So get ready to immerse yourself in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere inspired by the roaring 1920s. Think if Jay Gatsby decided to open a cinema and bistro and you’re pretty much there. This truly fantastic cinema boasts a diverse collection of both new and classic films, and even includes a carefully crafted drinks menu to complement your viewing experience.
🥗 Pre-Orderable Food Packages
Hungry? Luckily you can pre-order food packages in advance, they boast award-winning pizzas, made from only the finest ingredients, all to enjoy from the comfort of your theater seat. Come to the bistro and start your evening off right with some truly delicious cuisine. As well as that they do offer some very reasonable priced drinks and snacks in their foyer.
🎥 A Timeless Legacy Reimagined
Ri-tvåan showing the ‘Sound of Music’ in 1965.
Capitol, was once Vasastan's most magnificent and grand cinema, it was established in 1926 and was part of Bergendahl's cinema chain. In 1929, Capitol was sold to the Swedish Film Industry (SF). SF held onto Capitol for thirty years and was taken over by Ri-Teatrarna in 1959, which renamed the cinema to Ribo. It was during this time in the 1950s that it underwent a major transformation and the projector was converted to 70mm.
In the 1960s, it made history as Sweden's first duplex cinema after merging with neighbor Påfågeln, taking on the name Ri-Ettan and Ri-Tvåan, staying at the forefront of technical and experiential innovations. However sadly, the cinema closed in 1985 and was used as a theater, TV studio, rehearsal space, concert stage, church and even a real estate office.
The revival of Capitol began late in the winter of 2016 when a group of film lovers discovered the location and started a Kickstarter campaign (of which I was actually a contributor), all with the goal of transforming it back into a modern, internationally recognized cinema that it deserved to be. The outpouring of support for the project truly exceeded all expectations.
💫 Stylish 1920s-Inspired Environment
Take a good look around when you enter and you’ll see what we mean, the Art Deco style of the 1920s in all the details of the completely renovated venue, as well as preserving original elements such as the pillars, railings, and stucco in the lobby, as well as the old curtain machinery in the back of screen two.
And despite being an older building, accessibility and comfort have been prioritized by the team in order to really provide a new and enjoyable experience.
📽️ 4K & 35mm Projection
The details don’t stop with the decor either as Capitol now boasts four screens equipped with 4K technology and a newly installed 35mm projection in screen 1, while screens 2, 3, and 4 feature digital 2K projectors. A programming team with a keen eye for what's hot, whether it be next year's Oscar contenders, silent films, or retro nights help to curate the film selection.
🍽️ Expertise in Food & Drink
The intimate bistro is run by experts in food and drink, offering a dining experience unlike anything else in Sweden. The team in the kitchen at Bio & Bistro Capitol clearly have shown a commitment to using only the best organic ingredients and a menu that evolves with the passing of the seasons.
In the evening, diners are treated to contemporary dishes prepared in the open kitchen of the cozy bistro. Convenient pre-ordering is available for theater-goers through the website, with food packages featuring options like cheese, vegetables, and appetizers.
Address: Sankt Eriksgatan 82, 113 62
Webpage: www.capitolbio.se
Metro: S:t Eriksplan
