The Briefing
- Double beds installed in two major Helsinki theaters.
- Single tickets sold, meaning strangers may share beds.
- Seats cost four euros more than standard tickets.
Finnkino has introduced double beds to its movie theaters in Helsinki this weekend, marking the first time the chain has offered lie-down viewing in Finland.
The new 204-centimeter-wide beds are located in the front rows of the Tennispalatsi and Itis shopping center cinemas.
While designed for two people, tickets are sold individually, creating a unique situation where solo moviegoers might end up lying next to a stranger.
The new “movie beds” are available starting Friday, February 6. They have been installed in Hall 3 at the Tennispalatsi theater in the city center and Hall 2 at the Itis mall in East Helsinki. Each hall features four beds that replace the traditional front-row seating.
The beds measure 204 by 200 centimeters and feature faux leather upholstery. They are designed to fit two adults comfortably. A family setup is also possible, allowing two adults and one child to share a bed, provided everyone has a ticket for the screening.
Pricing for these seats follows Finnkino’s premium structure. The cost is identical to the chain’s “Luxe” recliner seats. In practice, a bed ticket costs approximately four euros more than a standard movie ticket.
A key point of discussion is the booking policy. Because tickets are sold individually, a person buying a single ticket for a double bed cannot guarantee the other half will remain empty. Finnkino acknowledges that a stranger could book the adjacent spot.
The company has clarified its stance on behavior. The staff will monitor the halls to ensure safety and appropriate conduct.
Regarding the nature of “movie dates” in beds, the chain has set strict boundaries. Staff members will intervene if they observe any indecent behavior during screenings.
Staff members will intervene if they observe any indecent behavior during screenings.
A move to attract customers
This move by Finnkino aligns with a global trend known as the “premiumization” of cinemas. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters worldwide have struggled to compete with the convenience of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
To bring audiences back, major chains are increasingly turning movie-going into a luxury event that cannot be replicated at home.
Similar “VIP bed” concepts have already been tested successfully in other markets. For example, the Cinema Pathé chain in Switzerland and various theaters in Thailand and the UK have offered double beds with pillows and blankets for several years.
