The Louis Hartlooper Complex

Utrecht is a real haven for cinephiles, with plenty of movie theatres with interesting histories. The Louis Hartlooper Complex, situated in Utrecht’s Museum Quarter, is no exception. This is where films, festivals, food & drink and special events come together.

Former police station
The cinema is situated in Utrecht’s city centre, in a listed building that was originally built in 1928 as a police station. It is virtually the only building in Utrecht that was constructed in the Amsterdam School style, which is why in 2001 it was officially granted listed building status.

In 1999, the property became vacant and was earmarked as a new site for cultural use. Two years later, the local government greenlighted the plans for the Louis Hartlooper Complex. Maintaining an awareness of the building’s historical significance, it was transformed into the movie theatre we have today. The iconic exterior remained unchanged, but many of the special details have been preserved on the inside as well. The renovation was a huge hit: by the end of its first year, the complex had already been crowned the best cinema in the Netherlands.

Cinema and restaurant
The Louis Hartlooper Complex has since become a fixture in Utrecht’s cultural landscape. It boasts four screens that show mainly arthouse movies. By the end of its first year, the complex had already been crowned the best cinema in the Netherlands. The complex also includes a cafe and a restaurant where you can have a bite to eat before or after seeing a movie. The kitchen uses exclusively 100% organic meat and authentic ingredients, and has a focus on, wherever possible, using seasonal and regional produce.