While many cinema connoisseurs will be familiar with The Netherlands’ Royal Pathé Tuschinsky, which is regularly voted one of the most stunning cinemas in the world, a short one-hour drive south-east of Amsterdam will bring you to a cinema building that is no less impressive on a smaller scale for its design, sustainability and history. It is here that CinemaNext recently completed its latest project at Visum Mundi, the boutique arthouse cinema in Wageningen, Netherlands. The cinema has expanded with an additional auditorium set to welcome its first audiences early May 2025, but it has already been making waves far beyond the Dutch borders.
Historic Setting, Modern Technology
Located in the historic Aula building, Visum Mundi ("view of the world" in Latin) has quickly established itself as a cultural hub in Wageningen since opening in 2024. The building carries profound historical significance as the site where peace negotiations between Dutch and German forces took place at the end of World War II, as well as being a stunning piece of architecture that has attracted the attention of international design and architecture magazines.
The cinema itself represents the vision of Dutch entrepreneur Martin Ruiter, who partnered with CinemaNext Nederland to bring state-of-the-art projection and audio technology to this cultural landmark. The main auditorium features 119 seats and offers an immersive viewing experience that balances modern technology with the building's historic architecture.
"Our vision for Visum Mundi has always been to create something that honors both cinema as an art form and the remarkable history of this building," says Martin Ruiter, owner and operator of Visum Mundi. "Working with CinemaNext has allowed us to install technology that doesn't just meet today's standards but anticipates tomorrow's, all while respecting the architectural integrity of this historic space. With our expansion, we're not just adding seats—we're expanding the cultural possibilities for Wageningen." The cinema was highlighted at the Cinema Vision 2030 conference at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, as an example of European cinema innovation.
Technical Excellence
As part of its efforts to provide the best image and sound experience, CinemaNext equipped Visum Mundi's main auditorium with a Christie CP4420-RGB 4K laser projector featuring 6000:1 high contrast ratio and a Premium Ultra High Contrast Lens. This advanced projection technology ensures exceptional image quality with vivid colours and deep blacks across the cinema’s large screen.
For audio, the installation includes a sophisticated Alcons audio system with:
- 3 Alcons CR3bi 3-way speaker systems
- 2 Alcons CB362 dual subwoofer systems
- 16 Alcons CCS6 surround speakers
- Alcons ALC Sentinel amplifiers (one Sentinel3 and two Sentinel10)
The audio infrastructure is managed through a Q-Sys Core 510i network audio processor, providing precise sound control and flexibility for various content formats, from traditional cinema to live stage performances.
"The Visum Mundi project perfectly exemplifies our commitment to blending heritage architecture with cutting-edge cinema technology," said Geert Thierij, Senior Sales Manager of CinemaNext Netherlands. "The technical challenges of installing modern systems in a protected building required innovative solutions, but the result is truly spectacular. The new auditorium continues this tradition, using our latest projection and audio systems to create an immersive environment that respects the building's historical significance while delivering a world-class cinema experience."
The recently announced expansion includes a second, more intimate screening room that will seat 20 patrons, and will be operated as a private screening room, where people can book screenings of films on-demand. Scheduled to open in late April 2025, the new auditorium will feature a Christie RGB laser projector and QSC audio speakers and amps, ensuring consistent quality across both screening rooms. The third stage of the project will be the building next year of 2 more traditional auditoriums with around 60 and 40 seats at the backside of the building. These will be equipped with the Christies laser projectors and Alcons audio systems that have been installed in the current Heerenstraat Theater location.
The expansion is part of the broader "Vrijheidskwartier" (Freedom Quarter) project, which aims to transform this historic area of Wageningen into a vibrant cultural district.
Beyond Cinema: Cultural Programming
Visum Mundi has quickly distinguished itself through ambitious programming that extends beyond traditional film screenings. A prime example was last year’s mixed-media event featuring the renowned Alma Quartet, comprised of members from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The performance juxtaposed works by composers Korngold and Shostakovich—both of whom created during periods of totalitarian oppression—against projected footage from Leni Riefenstahl's 1935 propaganda film "Triumph des Willens."
By providing an alternative soundtrack to these powerful images, the event created a two-sided narrative that gave audiences a deeper understanding of how Riefenstahl's filmmaking techniques functioned as effective propaganda tools. The nearly hallucinatory effect of this unique artistic combination, made possible by CinemaNext's precise audio and visual synchronisation capabilities, created a profound meditation on art and power that resonated deeply with attendees. Ruiter: “this is an example of the innovation that I would like to see more on the big screens. And the reason why I would rather call Visum Mundi a screen theatre than a cinema.”
Visum Mundi has thus been designed from the outset to offer much more than just standard cinema viewing. As described in the prestigious Wallpaper Magazine, London-based design studio Fare Inc. has created an atmosphere that pays "respectful homage to the building's past" with "a handsome palette of warm colours and nostalgic decorative features." It really is a cinema that needs to be visited to be truly appreciated.
The cinema complex includes a stylish bar and lounge area where patrons can gather before and after screenings. The installation by CinemaNext includes digital signage and control systems that allow staff to manage both the technical aspects of film presentation and the ambient experience throughout the venue.
Cultural Significance
Operating as an extension of the popular Heerenstraat Theater, Visum Mundi offers a diverse program that includes arthouse releases, classics, documentaries, and live broadcasts of opera and ballet performances. The technical infrastructure installed by CinemaNext enables this programming flexibility.
"We designed the cinema's systems to accommodate everything from the latest digital releases to special formats and live events," explained Stefan Vogels, Design Director, CinemaNext Nederland. "The Q-Sys system in particular allows seamless integration of various audio sources, perfect for the multifunctional approach Visum Mundi takes to programming."
With the new auditorium's opening on the horizon, Visum Mundi and CinemaNext continue their partnership to create exceptional cinematic experiences in this unique historic setting. The expansion will allow for more diverse programming and increased capacity while maintaining the intimate, boutique atmosphere that has made the cinema a favourite among film enthusiasts – and glossy international architecture and design magazines.
CinemaNext Powers Visum Mundi's Cinematic Renaissance