Despite having a record number of visitors – 2.2 million in the eight months to end December following its reopening, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is putting up its ticket price by €2.50 to €17.50.

The price rise coincides with the opening of a new exhibition hall and based on ‘a healthy business proposition,’ a spokesman told the Volkskrant.

The new 1,000 square metre wing, sponsored by electronics giant Philips, opens in November.

Most of the city’s other museums, such as the Van Gogh museum, the private Hermitage and the Nemo science centre charge €15 a visit.