Eye Filmmuseum Undergoes Restructuring to Secure Future Operations in Amsterdam
The Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam has commenced a significant restructuring plan as of December 1, 2025. This initiative aims to ensure the organization's long-term viability and strengthen its financial foundation, guaranteeing its continued role as a national and international film museum. The full details of the plan were outlined in a press release issued by the museum.
What Visitors Can Expect at Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam from 2026
The restructuring introduces several adjustments designed to streamline operations and enhance the visitor experience. From 2026, the museum will implement a more focused programming schedule.
The film programming will be organized around three distinct pillars: "Eye Classics" for historical films, "New Releases" showcasing contemporary cinema, and "Eye on Art" for experimental works and film intersecting with other art forms. The overall number of film screenings will see a reduction of approximately 15%. Additionally, in 2026 and 2027, the museum will host two temporary exhibitions annually instead of three.
Operational changes also include the museum being closed during the day on Mondays, with exceptions for school holidays. The Eye Shop is slated for a redesign and will temporarily close in the spring to facilitate these improvements. The Eye Film Player, the museum's online platform, will sharpen its focus to feature more Dutch cinema.
New Management for Eye Bar & Restaurant
A key part of the recovery strategy involves a new partnership for the museum's catering services. Starting December 2025, Vermaat Groep will take over the operations of the Eye Bar & Restaurant. This collaboration aims to develop the restaurant into a vibrant meeting place that complements the museum's film and exhibition offerings. Current catering personnel will be offered employment contracts by Vermaat, ensuring continuity and retention of expertise.
Understanding the Restructuring's Rationale
The decision to restructure stems from a period where, despite stable visitor numbers, Eye Filmmuseum experienced substantial increases in operational costs due to inflation, higher accommodation expenses, and personnel expenditures. Income growth did not adequately keep pace with these rising costs. An earlier decision to bring catering services in-house also had a negative financial impact. By 2025, it became evident that the museum's financial reserves could no longer absorb these pressures, necessitating structural savings and a reorganization.
This plan includes a target saving of approximately 20% on activity budgets and will lead to a reduction of around 30 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions, representing about 20% of the staff. The majority of these reductions are anticipated through natural attrition, such as retirements and the expiry of temporary contracts, with approximately ten permanent positions being eliminated. A comprehensive redundancy plan has been established in collaboration with unions to support affected employees. Essential sector support roles, like SEE NL and the National Network Film Education, are not impacted as they are funded through specific basic cultural infrastructure allocations.
Despite these significant changes, Eye Filmmuseum remains dedicated to its core mission of preserving, screening, contextualizing, and sharing film culture with national, international, and online audiences. For those looking to discover more cultural institutions or plan their visit to various museums, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can browse museums in Amsterdam or explore the wider cultural landscape on the interactive map.
