Where Are Cines Groucho Located?
Cines Groucho is located in a single place: downtown Santander, Cantabria, at Calle Cisneros 4. This independent cinema has operated from this central location since 2004, though it now functions under the new name Cines Embajadores Santander as of January 2025.
Exact Address and Location
Cines Groucho is situated at Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 4, bajo, 39001 Santander, Cantabria, Spain. The establishment occupies a strategic position between two main streets in the city center: Cisneros Street and Cervantes Street, with access from both roads.
The central location makes it easily accessible by foot or public transportation. The cinema sits very close to Santander’s City Hall and right next to the historic Mercado de la Esperanza, a landmark 19th-century market that serves as a clear reference point for finding the venue.
The building housing the cinema spans approximately 300 square meters and contains two screening rooms with a total capacity of 200 seats. The original architectural project was designed by Domingo de la Lastra in 2004, and later, following a renovation in 2015, architect Javier Terán carried out the redesign for the reopening.
How to Get There
Access to Cines Groucho is straightforward from different points in Santander thanks to its location in the urban center.
By public transport: The area is well connected by several Santander urban bus lines (TUS). The nearest bus stops are just a few minutes’ walk from the cinema, on the main avenues surrounding the historic center.
On foot: If you’re in downtown Santander, the cinema is easily walkable. From Plaza de Pombo or Paseo de Pereda, you can reach it in less than 10 minutes. The Mercado de la Esperanza provides a clear visual landmark for orientation.
By car: Although the cinema is in a pedestrian zone in the center, several public parking facilities are nearby. The closest are the parking lot on Vargas Street and the Mercado de la Esperanza parking garage. Keep in mind that downtown Santander has traffic restrictions during certain hours.
Accessibility: The establishment has wheelchair-accessible entrance, complying with current accessibility regulations.
Cinema Features
Cines Groucho stands out as an independent cinema specializing in auteur films and European productions. Since January 2007, it has been part of Europa Cinemas, a European network that supports the exhibition of European cinema in urban centers.
The cinema has two screening rooms totaling 200 seats. Programming focuses primarily on international festival films, auteur cinema, and European productions not typically found in major commercial chains. They also screen some films in original version with subtitles.
The facilities maintain a cozy, minimalist style. In the lobby, viewers can pick up a program with information about the film they’re about to watch. The cinema enforces a strict policy: entry is not permitted once the screening has started, and consuming food or drinks inside the screening rooms is prohibited.
Since its inauguration on December 3, 2004, the cinema has organized complementary cultural activities, including thematic cycles, Q&A sessions with directors, and special celebrations such as European Art Cinema Day.
Contact Information and Pricing
Phone: +34 942 79 15 07
Email: cinesgrouchosantander@gmail.com
Website: cinesgroucho.es
Social media: Facebook @cinesgroucho
Ticket prices:
- Monday to Thursday (non-holidays): €5
- Friday to Sunday and holidays: €7
- Senior Cinema Program (65+, Tuesdays): €2
The cinema only accepts cash payments. It doesn’t offer food or beverage services, maintaining focus on the pure cinematic experience.
Box office hours: The box office opens 15 minutes before the first showing of the day (typically between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM depending on programming) and remains open until the start of the last session, usually at 10:30 PM.
Recent Name Change and Management
In January 2025, Cines Groucho underwent a significant management change. José Pinar, founder and owner for 20 years, sold the business to Cines Embajadores, a chain already operating in Madrid and Oviedo.
Since January 31, 2025, the cinema operates under the name Cines Embajadores Santander, though it maintains the same location at Calle Cisneros 4. The new management is led by Miguel Ángel Pérez and Juan Barquín, who have announced plans to expand programming to include more commercial releases alongside the auteur cinema that characterized Groucho for two decades.
This change marks the end of an era for a space that became a reference point for independent cinema in Cantabria. For 20 years, Groucho maintained a clear editorial line focused on auteur films, which, according to the previous owner, became economically unsustainable after the pandemic due to changing audience consumption habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one Cines Groucho in Spain?
No, Cines Groucho only had one location: in Santander. It was a unique independent project, not a cinema chain. Following the management change in January 2025, the establishment became Cines Embajadores Santander, joining the Cines Embajadores chain that has other locations in Madrid and Oviedo.
Does the cinema still operate at the same location?
Yes, the cinema continues operating at Calle Cisneros 4, in the same space where it opened in 2004. Only the name (now Cines Embajadores Santander) and management have changed. The physical location remains exactly the same.
How can I check the current film schedule?
You can check the updated programming on the website cinesgroucho.es or on the cinema’s Facebook page. The new Cines Embajadores Santander management maintains these communication channels active. You can also call +34 942 79 15 07 for information about showtimes and current films.
Is it close to other points of interest in Santander?
Yes, the location is very central. It’s within walking distance of City Hall, Paseo de Pereda, Plaza Pombo, and Santander Cathedral. The Mercado de la Esperanza, right next to the cinema, is also a historic site worth visiting.
The cinema’s location in the heart of Santander makes it an accessible option for those seeking alternatives to commercial cinema. Its two-decade history as a space dedicated to auteur films left a mark on Cantabria’s film culture, and its new chapter under Cines Embajadores management promises to keep alive the tradition of offering quality cinema in the city center.