The more than 60-year history of film screenings in Háskólabíó, i.e. the University Movie Theatre, will end at the end of the month, RÚV reports. Sena, which has operated the movie theatre for the last 15 years, has terminated its contract with the University of Iceland.
First film screenings in 1961
The Icelandic company Sena has cancelled its contract for the operation of a cinema in the Háskólabíó theatreas of July 1. Konstantín Mikaelsson, Manager of Sena’s Film Division, told RÚV that Sena’s decision was informed by increased consumer demands for facilities and declining attendance.
Sena has managed the operation of Háskólabíó since 2007, but Háskólbíó’s history stretches back to the year 1961. During the first decades, the theatre featured a single large auditorium. Smaller auditoriums were later added. The building was the main concert hall of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra for years until the Harpa Music and Conference Hall was put into use in 2011.
In addition to film screenings, Háskólabíó has been the venue for university classes, concerts, and various events. Guðmundur R. Jónsson, Director of Administration of the University of Iceland, told RÚV that the university would likely continue to use the building for concerts, conferences, meetings, and teaching.
