Studio Skoop
Studio Skoop is an arthouse cinema in Ghent, Belgium, founded in 1970 and known for its five-screen complex and role in launching the Film Fest Gent.
Last updated September 29, 2026
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Overview
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History
Studio Skoop was founded by Ben Ter Elst, who opened a 245-seat film hall on 16 September 1970 in the former U.F.A.C. space at Van Artevelde Square (now Sint-Annaplein) in Ghent. A film café opened in December of the same year. In January 1974, Studio Skoop organised the first "Internationaal Filmgebeuren" at Ciné Select in the Zuid district; this film week later grew into Film Fest Gent. In September 1976, a second hall, the "Akira Kurosawa Theater" with 78 seats, opened, and Hall 1 was reduced from 245 to 213 seats for comfort. In July 1979, founder Ben Ter Elst withdrew, leaving daily management to Walter Vander Cruysse. After disagreements over investment, Vander Cruysse also left in July 1981, and the last screening before a temporary closure took place on 16 December 1982. On 1 February 1983, Walter Vander Cruysse took over the cinema, and screenings resumed on 19 February 1983. In early January 1986, the cinema closed for ten months for renovations to meet modern comfort, technical and sound standards. It reopened on 22 October 1986 with three halls seating 167, 73 and 56 respectively. During the 13th International Film Festival Ghent, films were again shown at Studio Skoop. In September 1988, a fourth hall with 67 seats was added. In 1993, the cinema became a member of Europa Cinemas, an organisation dedicated to the distribution and promotion of European films. In 2000, a fifth hall was built and the entire complex was renovated, with halls 3, 4 and 5 equipped with modern Dolby sound systems. In May 2012, the cinema invested in digital cinema, equipping all halls with digital projectors and sound, while three of the five halls retained 35mm projectors. In August 2019, the complex was put up for sale as owner Walter Van der Cruysse wanted to retire. Lumière showed interest in a takeover, and the City of Ghent was initially interested but found the asking price too high and instead chose to purchase Cinema Rex. In January 2024, Lumière's takeover was announced. However, after the fire brigade inspection issued a negative advice and significant investments were needed to meet safety standards, Lumière withdrew. With no buyer found, Studio Skoop closed its doors at the end of December 2025, possibly permanently. On the last opening day, 23 December, all evening screenings were sold out. In early March 2026, it was announced that Studio Skoop would reopen in the summer of 2026 after beautification works and necessary fire safety works. The cinema was taken over by Lumière, with financial support from the Ghent city government. The building was partly paid for by an unknown Ghent investor. On 15 June 2026, it was announced that film screenings would restart on 1 July 2026.
Ben Ter Elst opens a 245-seat film hall in the former U.F.A.C. space at Van Artevelde Square (now Sint-Annaplein).
Opening of the film café.
Studio Skoop organises the first "Internationaal Filmgebeuren" at Ciné Select, which later grows into Film Fest Gent.
Opening of the second hall, the "Akira Kurosawa Theater" (78 seats); Hall 1 reduced to 213 seats.
Founder Ben Ter Elst withdraws; Walter Vander Cruysse takes over daily management.
Walter Vander Cruysse leaves Studio Skoop after disagreements over investment.
Last screening before temporary closure.
Walter Vander Cruysse takes over the cinema.
Film screenings resume.
Cinema closes for ten months for renovations.
Products and positioning
Arthouse cinema in Ghent focused on European and independent films, with a history of supporting film culture and festivals.
Arthouse film screenings
Film café
Film festivals
Digital and 35mm projections
Sources4 sources
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