Cinema storici

Cinema storici is a research project dedicated to the documentation, study and promotion of Italy’s historic cinemas that are still in operation. Developed as part of the PRIN 2020 “CinEx. Spaces, Practices and Policies of Film Exhibition in Italy” research project, it considers cinemas as a form of cultural heritage where architecture, urban history and film-going practices intersect.

Through a systematic survey of historic cinemas, Cinema storici collects and makes accessible information on their history, architectural features, designers and the transformations that have shaped their evolution. The digital platform brings together historical documentation, images and multimedia content, providing a valuable resource for researchers, professionals and cinema enthusiasts.

More than simply buildings, historic cinemas are places of collective memory and cultural participation. The project seeks to highlight their role in the history of cinema and of local communities, contributing to the study, preservation and promotion of a living cultural heritage.