Is clever and interesting. We saw a small movie called the Small mall apartment. A group of four people build a secret apartment in some zero space at the mall. Successfully live there some nights for a long time I don't want to spoil anything. Very cool art film documentary with a good story. This is a cool event space it looks a little rough, but the movie picture quality and the sound were really good. Very close to the sound of a regular larger theatre. It has chairs and couches pretty comfortable for about 50 people. If you can catch a little small movie here or a band or a play or art exhibit check out that theater we had a good time they have a full bar. They didn't have popcorn that night, but he says they usually do. They also rent the space out for events and parties or a concert that you want play for your friends. read more

See all

I LOVE this place. It's a very cool pub, with some outstanding performing arts! Including rare and super interesting movies! The venue is very laid back, with a neighborhood feel and it caters to everyone. Whether your a "good ole boy" or a "hipster", you will have fun! They have top shelf alcohol that's reasonably priced. The owner, René, is super nice and loves to chat. The bartenders are the same and are not stingy with their pours. Another great thing about this place is even though they sell alcohol, the theater is separate from the bar, so kids are welcome to come watch a good movie! PET FRIENDLY! Plenty of parking! You NEED to give this place a try! read more

See all

This place ups my cool points as I walk in the door. I still get chills--the good kind, the Grease kind--when I think about my very first meeting with Zeitgeist. Me, a starry-eyed art historian. Zeitgeist, a multidisciplinary art space showing silent films on Thursday nights. Mmmmmm. Weirdos welcome, etc. Accessibility notes: Narrow door but no step up. All the chairs can be moved to accommodate accessibility devices. Low counter. No CC on movies for hard-of-hearing users. No braille signage. read more

See all

Rene is the only person bringing in truly independent cinema to New Orleans now. Period. The Zeitgeist is nice, big and allows for all sorts of functions from film screenings to art shows to live performances. A great place for someone who is truly passionate about cinema to go. Rene, the owner, also has a passion and is damn knowledgeable about film in general. More people should go to screenings here. New Orleans would seriously be hurt, culturally, if Zeitgeist were to ever close. I know Canal Place brings independent movies in, but not the kind of independent film you'll see at Zeitgeist. We're talking underground stuff here people, which is definitely a refreshing change from the Big Mama movies of the world. read more

Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center - Rene introduces a film - Performing Arts Near Me - Arabi, Louisiana

Look, I get it. The projection capabilities in my office are better than the setup they have here. The sound could be better. The building is freezing, all the time. The proprietor (Rene) can be a bit of a grump. They only show two movies at any given time. Maybe three, if they're on the short side. You can't get decent or even mediocre popcorn. So why the 5 star review? There simply isn't anywhere in this fine city of ours that does what Zeitgeist does. It's the only true arthouse theatre here, so if you want to see the latest Disney or Marvel film then there's a 16 screen theatre on the West Bank waiting for you. I've been coming here for a decade now (which isn't even half as long as they've been open - Zeitgeist has been a New Orleans institution since 1986!) and I don't think I've ever seen something here that one of the major/mainstream theaters has picked up. Not to say that only garbage films are screened here. Rene has great taste! I have seen everything from Australian horror to Korean romance to Turkish drama with all of the offbeat documentaries and quirky no-budget comedies in between. Apart from the normal screenings every night there are special one-off screenings (like getting to see the restored 1926 version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde with a live orchestral accompaniment) and events that cater to both the neighborhood and the greater community. I've seen bands play on the stage and attended the NAASN conference that Rene graciously hosted a few years ago. There are cross-promotional deals to be had with other businesses on the street, usually in the ballpark of a few dollars off your movie ticket with your receipt from Primitivo or if you're the sort to movie first and eat second, a free glass of wine at Primitivo with your Zeitgeist receipt. Ticket prices are cheap - 8$ a movie and if you get tickets to both screenings in a night they're only 5$ each. Plus discounts if you're a student, senior citizen, or a supporting member. read more

Art house films have always had a transformative ability to shape our thoughts and dreams. To illustrate I want you to think about a magazine stand in a metropolitan area. You might see magazines about every conceivable discipline. Art, history, science, architecture, music, travel and obscure sub-genres galore! Hundreds of choices. Now... travel to any small town in Louisiana and go to the mini-mart magazine rack. What are your choices? Cars and boobs. Hardly food for thought. Hardly inspiring. Zeitgeist gives our local community a shot at enlightenment... there can be no fire without a spark, and art house films are that speckle of light in the obsidian night. Even if you never step through their doors, consider donating to their efforts. This city is nothing without art and the people that inspire it. read more

I've been to a bunch of different types of events at Zeitgeist over the years, both at their old location, just half a block or so away, and their current location. Some people seem to shy away from this neighborhood, but the truth is I've always felt safe and welcome there, even at night for film screenings. They have a neighborhood patrol so it's as safe as any place else in this city, and it's a cool little area of town. This is the main place in town to see way-way off the radar underground and indie films. They also host a variety of other events, including the new OCH Art Market, which now happens the 2nd Saturday of each month. It's really big and spacious, and from what I know it's way more affordable to rent than a lot of other similarly sized spaces in town, so if I was looking to hold a conference or similar event, I might consider checking into Zeitgeist as a venue. read more

WARNING - SERIOUS ISSUES WITH MANAGEMENT AT THIS PLACE. I was here for the New Orleans Film Festival and had a few minutes so struck up a conversation with the Mgr - Rene (?). He mentioned his Mid East Film Fest and I asked about Israeli Films. Rene stated that they have some but not made by Israeli Jews as they boycott ALL Israeli money, products, films, etc etc. I asked if had ever been to Israel which (of course) he had not (but he is an American so you know he is an EXPERT!). Unless you are anti-semitic don't waste your money on this - Go to Prytania or Canal Place. read more

I went to a showing of the silent film "Metropolis" here, last summer. I had never been before. You can get a membership, so that you can be key up to date for different events. Although I have never had the opportunity to attend, I know that the Brown! improv comedy troupe also performs here frequently. They have books for sale about local art and films. This is a great little art space and I look forward to going back. read more

This is a really cool space in an up and coming part of the city. I was a little surprised at the layout of the theatre the first time I went--it is really just a big projection screen with chairs/couches set up in front of it--but it was nice to be able to stretch out on a real couch to watch a movie. I love that they screen rare and controversial films that wouldn't otherwise be shown in New Orleans. There seemed to be one guy running the show on his own when I went which was cool--more power to him. Places like this *need* to exist in the city and I'm glad we have it. Parking was really easy--I was able to pull up right out front on a Thursday night. They do have snacks and drinks available for purchase. read more

I've been meaning to come here for a while, but didn't really want to hang out in this neighborhood after dark. There was a flick I wanted to see at 5:30 p.m., so I headed over. On my approach to the theater, I saw two police cars with flashing lights parked on the sidewalk in front of a business. Not really a good sign, but hey, I felt better knowing that the cops were nearby. Anyway, once you are inside of Zeitgeist, the neighborhood sketchiness is but a memory. The theater has an excellent selection of unique, international snacks. I enjoyed a fresh Pop Stars popsicle while I enjoyed the show. The theater also offers comfy chairs, loveseats and sofas. It was a pleasure to recline after a hard days work, and eat a delicious popsicle and watch a cool movie. I will be back! read more

I've been a couple of times and am ashamed to say it's been a while. This is a wonderful place. Wonderful because of what Rene (the do-it-all man) offers. Think independent film on steroids. A massive variety of features covering anything from racial issues, gays, wars, music, struggles and victories, and who knows what else. There is always something going on here. I can't keep up! Rene is very knowledgeable indeed and I wish his venue had more exposure in the city. I think the location has something to do with it. Even though I felt safe attending here at night alone, I think some folks might not. It's in the Central City, after all. But remember, they do have a 24-hr security company housed right next door. When I win the Powerball, I'll buy the (almost) closed Border's location on St. Charles and ask Rene to move Zeitgeist here. That would be awesome, right? read more

The new space on St. Claude in Arabi is so great! Nice lounge area and a bar with a great selection of alcohol and many different types of beer. There are even a few "specialty cocktails" to choose from. Despite the bar, the place is family friendly (no kids at the bar please) and there are plenty of really interesting and offbeat films for kids as well as adults. you can see a movie in the theatre or just stop by and have a drink and listen to some music up front in the lounge. I can't wait to go back! read more

Zeitgeist is one of the best arthouse theaters in the country and the only one in the New Orleans area. On any given night, you can see a wonderful foreign film or a documentary that is not showing anywhere else in the vicinity. The owner, Rene, is an acclaimed filmmaker. He carefully curates the films that Zeitgeist screens. As well, the concessions are unique, like cookies from Lebanon, Japanese seaweed, and Indian snacks. The bar is well stocked with diverse wines and spirits. The Lounge is large and comfortable and has hosted music, comedy, and poetry events. It is also available for rentals. In an area, New Orleans, famous for culture, Zeitgeist shines. read more

Awesome place! Zeitgeist Center hosts Veggie Fest, which is an event that should not be missed. The rest of the year they host hard to find documentaries and films. I checked them out Sunday for the Cameron Crowe PJ20 documentary and was so impressed! There is a reason they were hand selected by the band to be one of eight venues in the U.S. to show the film for a week. The venue is a volunteer run establishment that is funded solely by donations, so "drink up" as the gentleman running the movie suggested. Explanation: they sell beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages for donations. The seating is couches, reclining chairs, and standard classroom-ish chairs. I suggest getting there early so you can claim a comfy chair up front! Check out their website to see what movies are playing and buy your tickets in advance over the phone or at the door. I highly recommend checking them out. Now that I discovered this little gem I cannot wait to return! read more

I recently visited Zeitgeist for the OCH Art Market. This is such phenomenal space! Such great space for not only films but showcasing arts, in addition to the marketplace space, I see some very cool exhibition taking place here. They also have a great showing of films that make you think. You should definitely check out the space and most importantly no parking issues. This neighborhood is doing a lot of renovation and is going to be one hot main street soon. Across from Zeitgeist is Cafe Reconcile which I think is wonderful, although their hours don't necessarily work well together. read more

This place has some awesome movies and on Monday nights you can bring your dog with you! I really like their documentary selection and that they have a tendency to find movies not many people have heard of. They also have art shows, comedy routines, and music when they are not playing movies. I am a big fan please support this great local spot! read more

Zeitgeist is a fantastic space but it ain't for everyone. My recent trip for Veggie Fest 2011 I was with my 2 and 7 year old girls. Let's just say it isn't kid proof or even kid encouraged - and that's okay - but people bring their kids to events like Veggie Fest. And when a single board is laid across a banisterless stairwell as if to prevent access and a 2 year touches it lightly and it crashes to the ground, that's a problem. I applaud Zeitgeist in all it does (music, movies, fests), but really the facilities need to get tighter. read more

AWESOME VENUE. I recently visited New Orleans for a wedding with a friend, and after night 3 of bars I was ready to find something new to do in the city. I found this theatre/space and went with a friend. The place is run by a sweet & gracious guy. Drinks (alcoholic and otherwise) and all kinds of snacks are served there and movies start right on time with no previews. There are tons of seats and couches in the front of the theatre space. If you want to see an independent film in New Orleans this is the place to go! read more

I went to a screening of the movie "Hesher" tonight with my sister and was blown away by the place. The people were awesome the art on the walls was great and comy vibe of the sofas and little snack bar make the Zeitgeist not only inviting but very relaxing! I will be back for many more events here in the very near future. read more

Zeitgeist has one of the most outstanding film series in North America. We are amazingly fortunate to have a resource here that opens up so many dimensions of the world of serious film. Zeitgeist deserves the srongest support possible from all cinephiles in the new Orleans area. Go often. Spread the word about the films. Become a member, and a patron if possible. read more