Bologna's Historic Cinema Modernissimo Reopens After 15 Years

After 15 years of closure and extensive renovation, the historic Cinema Modernissimo in Bologna will reopen on November 21, 2023. The cinema, originally inaugurated in 1915, has been restored by the Cineteca di Bologna, which took on the project nearly a decade ago. The renovation cost €3.5 million and involved architect Giancarlo Basili. The main auditorium seats nearly 400, equipped with advanced projection capabilities from 16mm to 70mm, both analog and digital, and a small orchestra pit for live events. The interior has been restored to its original Art Nouveau style, while a new canopy by Mario Nanni marks the entrance. The Cineteca obtained a 49-year lease from owner Emmegi Cinema. The reopening also includes exhibition spaces and a new bar, Caffè Pathé, for which the Cineteca is seeking a restaurateur. The cinema was originally built as part of the early 20th-century urban plan replacing Palazzo Lambertini with Palazzo Ronzani, designed by engineer Pontoni. It later expanded in 1955, operating as two venues until 2007, then squatted in 2011 before closing.