Dutch cinemas raising ticket prices due to high energy costs

By Victoria Séveno

According to research carried out by NU, cinemas in the Netherlands are raising their ticket prices in order to make up for the high cost of energy unless the Dutch government steps in to offer financial support. 

Cinemas backed into a corner by higher energy prices

Back in September, the Dutch cultural sector announced that it hoped to spare customers and visitors from higher prices by passing on the rising energy costs to the government. At the time, the director of the Dutch Association of Cinemas and Film Theatres, Gulian Nolthenius, told NU that “a visit to the cinema should remain one of the cheapest outings.” 

Over the past two months, however, the industry’s outlook appears to have changed. While it still hopes that the government will take “all conceivable measures” to provide financial support to businesses, cinemas across the country have already taken steps to raise ticket prices after struggling to keep up with rising energy bills. 

Cultural sector calls on Dutch government to provide financial support

NU reports that cinemas such as the Rialto in Amsterdam have had to raise ticket prices, along with the KINO in Rotterdam and Lumière Cinema in Maastricht: “The main concern is, of course, that energy prices will continue to rise and thus become an unmanageable and unaffordable cost item,” director Nico Haenen told the website.

While the Rialto and other institutions, such as Forum Groningen, are also taking steps to improve the insulation of their building and reduce their energy consumption by lowering the thermostat, turning off projectors and closing doors, this won’t necessarily be enough. 

"We do what we can, but we don't have that many options," Forum Groningen’s CEO Dirk Nijdam explains to NU. "For a solution to the high energy costs, we look to the government. They must step in."

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
follow us for regular updates:

Victoria Séveno
Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association in London. She has a love for all things movies, animals, and food. Read more

For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.