Zeise Open Air – Freiluftkino Altona

Films in the City Hall Courtyard

The Altona City Hall is one of Hamburg's most beautiful neoclassical buildings – and its courtyard serves as one of the city's most atmospheric open-air cinemas during the summer months. Behind the main halls of the City Hall, in a courtyard surrounded by old trees, Zeise Kino sets up its 350 seats and projects films under the Hamburg summer sky from early July to the end of August.

Program Concept

Zeise Open Air doesn't focus on blockbusters, but on a curated mix of documentaries, current film highlights, and specials. The selection reflects the profile of Zeise Kinos in Ottensen: sophisticated, diverse, with a clear eye for films off the mainstream marketing machine. Documentaries about bicycle tours through Africa, sailing adventures, or political reports alternate with European arthouse films and Hamburg premieres.

350 Seats, Fully Accessible

Unlike improvised pop-up cinemas, Zeise Open Air has real rows of chairs with a total of 350 seats. The entire event area is accessible – wheelchair spaces are reserved. Some seats are protected by umbrellas, blankets are provided in cooler weather. In case of rain, information will be provided on whether the screening will take place or be postponed.

Film Start at Dark

The gates open 30 minutes before the start of the screening. Films start after dark – often not until around 9:30 PM in July, and from 9:00 PM in August. Before the film, there is time for snacks and drinks from the open-air catering.

Altona as a Cultural District

Altona City Hall is located in Altona-Altstadt, one of Hamburg's most dynamic districts. Within sight are the Altona S-Bahn station, Königstraße with its 19th-century architecture, and Altona station as the gateway to the north. Those who continue to Ottensen or the Hamburg harbor after the film are just a ten-minute walk away.