Designed by architect William Hood Grant and opened in 1941 as a movie house serving Observatory, this Art Deco cinema is now home to creative studios.
The building survived extensive fire damage in 1995 during its time as a plastics factory before blacksmith / sculptor Conrad Hicks purchased it in 1998 and began restoration. Hicks preserved the fire-scarred patina as part of the building's narrative rather than erasing its history.
The Bijou now functions as a thriving creative hub housing multiple artist studios and workshops. The space is also available for rental for shoots and events.
On the ground floor, Conrad Hicks operates his forge and The Tool Room, where he creates hand-forged metalwork sculptures and kitchen implements using traditional blacksmithing techniques. He is known for major commissions including the Kirstenbosch Gates and metalwork at Tokara Winery.
Visual artist Chris Denovan maintains a studio on the first floor, creating contemporary portraiture exploring identity and the human condition. His work has been featured at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and RMB Latitudes Art Fair.
David Mercer runs MercerBikes, building bespoke steel bicycle frames with a worldwide following.
Sean Wilson operates Silver Light, offering wet plate collodion ambrotype portraits and analogue photography services.
Other resident artists including Simone Verfaille, Linda Graaff, Nabeel Monier (Billy Artis), Monique Schiess, The Local Baker, Matthew Dasneves, Tony Omar (Yaddawi), Tanika Paschke-Moloi (Hatua Kali Storytelling Studio), and Toby Attwell (Twoshoes Design).
The building hosts Open Studios twice yearly where the public can meet artists and view work. Private visits can be arranged by contacting the venue.
Limited street parking is available on Lower Main Road.