Danish shopping centre to be home to Europe’s first luxury cinema

Owner hopes that first-class sound, seats and screens will bring in movie-goers

When the new ‘Big Shopping Centre’ opens in Herlev at the end of this month, it will include Big Bio – Europe’s first luxury cinema.

All 555 seats at the five theatres will have leather, electrically-controlled luxury seats and footrests. The audio is supplied by Dolby Atmos, which is considered by many the best theatre sound solution available.

“Several cinemas in the US use luxury seats, but it is new in Europe,” Big Bio co-owner Henrik Obel told Berlingske Business.

“Installing luxury seating means we will have fewer seats. We will still charge normal ticket prices, but I think we will have a higher occupancy due to the higher standard.”

Abel said the philosophy has worked in the US.

Bio, Big Bio
Abel and his wife Louise Obel already operate cinemas in Holstebro and  Slagelse.

Big Bio will open on Friday 30 October with the Danish premiere of the new James Bond film ‘Spectre’.

Obel estimates that between 40 and 50 million kroner has been invested in Big Bio.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.