Peephole Cinema
The Verdict
"A peephole in a storefront door at 281 Cortland in Bernal Heights showing curated short films on a 24/7 loop, one viewer at a time. Started by artist Laurie O'Brien in 2013, with sibling peepholes in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Free, takes about two minutes."
What you need to know
What’s There
A peephole built into a storefront door at 281 Cortland Avenue in Bernal Heights. Looking through it shows curated short films projected on a loop inside. The films rotate regularly: experimental, animated, and art-house shorts ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes long. Only one viewer at a time.
The Peephole Cinema is one location of a small chain started by artist Laurie O’Brien in 2013, with sibling installations in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.
Visiting
Address: 281 Cortland Avenue, Bernal Heights
Hours: 24/7. The peephole is always accessible from the sidewalk.
Cost: Free
Best time to go: After dark, when the projected image is brighter through the peephole. Daytime works too.
What to know: It’s a peephole in a door. Look for the small sign.
Getting There
Transit: Muni 24-Divisadero to Cortland Avenue. The 67-Bernal Heights also connects.
Parking: Street parking on Cortland. Usually available on weekdays.
Walking: On Cortland Avenue’s main commercial strip. Combine with coffee at Progressive Grounds or a walk through Bernal Heights Park for city views.
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