CAPITOL CINEMA

Capitol Cinema is a beloved historical icon and indie cinema in Stockholm, appreciated by many for nearly 100 years. Recognizing the need to evolve their digital presence, they asked us to refresh Capitol's identity and redesign its website and booking system.

Header Image: Capitol Cinema showing Sound of Music in 1965

Capitol Cinema in 1926

The cinema in 2025

Capitol is located at Sankt Eriksgatan 82 and first opened its doors in 1926. Over the years, it underwent several name changes before closing in 1985.

As early as the 1950s, many small cinemas began to shut down, marking the beginning of what came to be known as the "cinema death". Today, independent cinemas still face growing challenges.

Despite this, Capitol Cinema reopened under its original name in 2016. It has long played an important role in both local and national film culture and holds a unique place in Stockholm’s heritage.

Our aim was to create a web identity that felt like a natural extension of Capitol’s rich historical interiors. The new website had to honor Capitol’s history while also opening the doors to a new generation of cinemagoers.

Inspired by the cinema's 1920s architecture, we introduced Telefon by Sindre Bremnes – a geometric Art Deco style typeface with elegant details. Geometric shapes and playful proportions weave through the design and add a distinct character to the clean grid layout and modular sections. We drew color inspiration from the cinema's interiors – from the rich tones of the foyer's decorative wall panels and window muntins to the warm, neutral shades of the bistro's walls and ceiling. Other graphic elements also draw from the architecture, such as the markers and dividers akin to the decorative rhombus motifs on the cinema doors. The quirky details in the design create a clear distinction from the streamlined aesthetics of more mainstream venues.

With its unique formats and ever-evolving program, Capitol Cinema needed a design system that could adapt just as easily. We created a flexible, modular structure that allowed them to showcase everything from classic screenings and themed events to new, experimental formats in a clear and engaging way. As an independent cinema with a small team, this adaptability was important – ensuring the editors could quickly update content while maintaining a strong and cohesive look.

From watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s before 9 AM to sharing a bottle of wine and a pizza in the sofa for two, Capitol Cinema offers a number of viewing experiences for couples, friends and families.

Beyond making it easy to order straight to your seat, the booking process needed to provide a clear introduction to the concept. This meant that we had to create a slightly different structure to the standard checkout flow, focusing on clear steps and explanations along the way.

Considering Capitol Cinema's diverse audience (ranging from 18 to 80 years old), we prioritized simplicity and accessibility. We kept things clear with easy-to-use dropdown sections, prominent buttons, informative icons and distinctive color panels.

Indie venues are an edangered species. Most are facing a common challenge: preserving what's special without getting left behind.

We hope that the new website and booking system will help Capitol remain an evolving, accessible space for cultural experiences long into the future.