The Louis Hartlooper complex is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon or a cozy date night. This beautiful, Amsterdam School-style building (which was formerly a police station) houses a cinema, restaurant, cafe and also has a sunny terrace viewing the lively Tolsteegbrug. The cafe space and corridors still show the Art Deco interior detailing. The name Louis Hartlooper pays homage to a famous silent film narrator (or ‘explicateur’) and a key figure in early Dutch cinema history.
This cinema is a sibling of Springhaver. In comparison, Louis Hartlooper generally shows more mainstream movies, although it also still features art-house films. If you visit the last viewing of the day of a particular film, one of the volunteers at the cinema will give a brief talk about the theme of the film!
In the Netherlands, films are usually not dubbed and only have Dutch subtitles. You can just pick a movie in your native language. There are no breaks, so make sure to stock up on drinks and snacks at the bar before you go in.
Students get a discount, so bring your student card!
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38 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 38 Insider Tips from our local Spotters