Palace Electric Cinemas

Palace Electric Cinemas brings a sophisticated and curated film experience to Canberra's vibrant NewActon precinct. Set within the award-winning Nishi complex, this eight-screen cinema is the city's destination for art-house cinema, international films, quality blockbusters, family favourites, operas, and special events. With a focus on comfort, culture, and community, Palace Electric combines a carefully selected program with fully licensed auditoriums and an elegant Prosecco bar, making every visit feel like an event rather than just a movie outing.

The venue is proudly part of the Palace Cinemas group, a family-owned Australian company with a lifelong love of motion pictures that stretches back to founder Antonio Zeccola's childhood in Italy. That heritage of passion and innovation is evident at Palace Electric, where the programming reflects a deep commitment to diversity, quality, and the shared joy of cinema. Canberra audiences have recognised this dedication by naming Palace Electric 'Canberra's Favourite Entertainment Venue' at the People's Choice Awards for three consecutive years.

Cinema Experience & Amenities at Palace Electric Canberra

Palace Electric offers far more than a standard multiplex visit. Each of the eight cinemas is fully licensed, allowing patrons to take a glass of wine, a craft beer, or a cocktail into the screening. The stunning Prosecco bar serves as a social hub both before and after films, with a menu that includes sparkling wine, spirits, and curated snacks. The design of the Nishi complex contributes to the overall atmosphere — sustainable, modern, and architecturally distinctive — making Palace Electric a true entertainment venue rather than just a place to buy a ticket and sit down.

Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the comfortable seating and the sense of occasion that accompanies a trip to Palace Electric. One reviewer described it as 'always a proper event,' praising the fantastic atmosphere and the thoughtful inclusions during special screenings, such as themed refreshments and a welcome drink. Another visitor noted the comfortable seats and the stylish bar area, highlighting how the cinema elevates a routine movie night into something memorable.

Programming & Special Events at Palace Electric Cinemas

The programming at Palace Electric is deliberately diverse, encompassing a mix of international and local art-house films, mainstream releases, family-friendly sessions, and an impressive lineup of festivals and cultural events. Recent releases shown at the cinema include A Private Life, Backrooms, Franz, Obsession, Power Ballad, Project Hail Mary, Scary Movie, Sound of Falling, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, The Christophers, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The North, The Richest Woman In The World, and The Sheep Detectives.

Palace Electric is also a vital host for major film festivals and cultural events in Canberra. Upcoming events include the Royal Ballet & Opera 2025-26 season, screening directly from London, and the HSBC Spanish & Latin American Film Festival, which features opening and centrepiece premiere events complete with sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. A special grand preview of 'Disclosure Day' was also scheduled, encouraging audiences to 'prepare for first contact' at an advanced screening. These events reinforce the cinema's role as a cultural hub that brings world-class arts to the national capital.

Guest Reviews & Reputation at Palace Electric Canberra

Palace Electric Cinemas holds a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps based on over 1,370 reviews, signalling strong and consistent customer satisfaction. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality of the programming, the comfortable physical environment, and the attentive staff even during busy periods. A returning guest commented on the 'fantastic atmosphere' and the friendliness of the team, noting that the experience remains polished even when the cinema is full. The venue’s special event screenings — which sometimes include themed canapés and a glass of wine — receive particular praise for adding value and a touch of luxury.

Not all feedback is uniformly positive, and some reviews offer constructive criticism. One reviewer described the entry area as appearing untidy during their visit, with leaves scattered across the floor. Another mentioned a ticketing misunderstanding where staff checked tickets in a way that felt awkward for several patrons. These comments are rare among hundreds of reviews but suggest that peak times can occasionally challenge the front-of-house operations. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive rating and the volume of repeat visitors confirm that Palace Electric remains a beloved part of Canberra’s entertainment landscape.

Location, Parking & Transport Options for Palace Electric Cinemas

Palace Electric is located at 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra ACT 2601, on the ground floor of the Ovolo Canberra complex within the NewActon Nishi precinct. The area is known for its architectural significance, sustainable design, and proximity to Lake Burley Griffin and the city's central business district. The cinema’s address places it within easy reach of multiple transport options, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Paid parking is available in the Nishi basement via Wilson Parking, with payment completed through touchscreen 'Pay by Plate' machines or the Wilson 'epark' mobile app. The cinema advises guests to complete payment before their film starts and to check the running time to avoid rushing afterwards. For those arriving by bus, several routes stop nearby: the 53 passes Marcus Clarke Street after Farrell Place, while routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 57, 58, 180, and 181 serve Commonwealth Avenue at Regatta Point. The City Interchange is also close by, connecting to lines 1 through 182. Thirty designated bicycle parking spots are provided for cyclists.

Private Screenings, Functions & Group Bookings at Palace Electric

Beyond regular public sessions, Palace Electric offers a comprehensive range of private screening and function packages that cater to corporate events, fundraising occasions, children's parties, school and holiday programs, and group bookings. The Overlook Bar package allows hosts to combine a film screening with a private bar setup, ideal for celebrations or client entertaining. Big-screen gaming is another option, letting guests transform a cinema into an immersive gaming arena for tournaments or social play.

The cinema also supports community and creative organisations through its advertising and sponsorship opportunities, while the Palace Platinum Movie Club provides members with discounted tickets, exclusive event invitations, and other benefits. Gift cards are available for purchase online, and a range of branded merchandise — including wine glasses, DVDs, film box sets, and books — can be bought through the Palace Cinemas shop. These offerings extend the cinema's role beyond film exhibition into a full-service entertainment and lifestyle brand operating in the heart of Canberra.