Having heard many wonderful things about The Galileo Open Air Cinema, I used my recent trip to Cape Town to experience this open-air cinema offering for myself. I can add that it became one of the highlights of my trip and I cannot wait to visit again.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema has venues in Cape Town and in the Winelands and has built a name over the years as a unique cinema experience. Needless to say, it has become a popular activity amongst locals and visitors, who wish to sit back, relax and watch a good film while enjoying an evening under the stars.
What they have done is bring back the drive-in movie theatre concept of the last century – which also happens to be a great idea in the era of social distancing.
I attended the showing of Mrs Doubtfire at their Durbanville branch, which happened to be my very first drive-in cinema experience. I found it a magical experience that everyone should enjoy whilst visiting the Mother City.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema experience
The Galileo prides itself on the fact that they have such a unique and specialised offering. The fact that during my visit, the parking area was virtually full despite the rainy weather, shows how popular they have become.
My friends and I arrived quite early, but in doing so found ourselves in an ideal location. The parking attendants were extremely thorough when it came to the positioning of each vehicle; this meticulous endeavour is something that stood out.
We had prepared our own popcorn and brought along other snacks and drinks, although there were a great selection of tasty treats that can be bought. We wanted it to be as an authentic movie experience, as that is what we got.
As the sun began to set, the hype began to increase for we knew we were in for a treat. The Galileo screens their movies in the evening, due to the fact that there will not be much light interference. The time came for us to tune our radios, the moment we had been waiting for.
My friends and I had all seen Mrs Doubtfire before, but it nonetheless left us all in stiches. The Galileo’s selection comprises largely of family favourites and cult classics.
It was great to see the number of families who visited that evening. There were groups of kids playing together whilst their parents had the chance to enjoy each other’s company.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is the perfect way to enjoy the sights of Cape Town, whilst enjoying a classic film in comfort.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema Options
As mentioned, The Galileo offers a unique drive in experience. This is where one arrives in your own vehicle and watches the selected movie from the comfort of your own car. This is thus great for couples or for groups of friends who wish to enjoy their time together.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema also offers a picnic-style cinema under the stars during the summer months. This unique activity allows for guests to enjoy their movie experience outdoors with a picnic before the movie starts. Read more here…
The Galileo also offers a luxuriousRoyale experience as well as home rentals whereby the team set up the screen in your own garden or venue.
Reviews from previous The Galileo Open Air Cinema patrons
“We have just had an amazing experience watching the film Grease in a very well organised and enjoyable environment. There were different booking packages ie with blanket back rests popcorn etc. Easy to book online and a brilliant experience. Highly recommended. Well done to the organisers,” wrote Sindy L on their TripAdvisor page.
Dwaine Nascimento added; “I was actually blown away by how organized and on the ball all the staff were at the venue… We watched bohemian rhapsody on Sunday at what an awesome experience… The pizza was yummy and the whole entry and exit was just so easy.. they even kept a spot for me as my friend and I went in separate cars and they managed to put us next to one another even though we arrived 10 minutes apart… so so awesome I cannot wait for a movie I’m interested in to go watch again.”
To find out more about The Galileo Open Air Cinema, give them a call on +27 (0) 71 471 8728 or email hello@thegalileo.co.za. Visit their website www.thegalileo.co.za today. Follow them on Facebook HERE.