A Century of Cinema in Milan: From Lumière to Streaming

Milan's journey in film began on March 20, 1896, when the Lumière brothers showcased their cinematograph at Circolo Fotografico. By 1907, the city boasted 50 cinemas, including the Centrale. Notable figures like Luca Comerio captured the essence of World War I, while Italo Pacchioni played a key role in popularizing cinema. The 1920s introduced opulent movie palaces, with the Odeon opening in 1929, featuring 2,500 seats, establishing itself as a premier venue. Innovations such as telephone ticket reservations and sound films like 'The Jazz Singer' (1929) emerged. Although the industry faced challenges in the 1970s and 80s, multiplexes began to rise in the 2000s. The pandemic led to a 72.7% decrease in the market, yet in 2023, attendance surged by 20%. The Odeon, which closed in 2023, is planned to reopen as a cultural center.