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Historic Salone Margherita theatre in Rome put up for sale by Bank of Italy

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-26

Banca d'Italia has put the Salone Margherita, a historic variety theatre in Rome, on the market for €5 million. Situated on Via dei Due Macelli, it first opened its doors in 1864 and transitioned to a café chantant in 1871. The Marino brothers took over its lease in 1901, showcasing talents like Ettore Petrolini and Lina Cavalieri. Following an expansion in 1908, the theatre hosted Marinetti's Futurist show on October 12, 1921. After World War II, it transformed into an art cinema before resuming live performances, gaining popularity with the Compagnia del Bagaglino in 1972. Although it closed in 2020, it occasionally held events. Interested parties must submit proposals by April 28, 2026, with a requirement to maintain its theatrical purpose as per a decree from February 4, 2019.

Key facts

  • Salone Margherita in Rome is for sale by Banca d'Italia at €5 million
  • Originally a Peroni beer factory in 1864, converted to café chantant in 1871
  • Marino brothers took over in 1901, launching variety theatre success
  • Hosted Futurist Teatro della Sorpresa premiere on October 12, 1921
  • Compagnia del Bagaglino performed there from 1972
  • Theatre closed in 2020; sale attempts date back to 2010
  • Expressions of interest due by April 28, 2026; bank evaluation by June 2026
  • Theatrical use must be maintained per 2019 ministerial decree

Entities

Artists

  • Ettore Petrolini
  • Raffaele Viviani
  • Lina Cavalieri
  • La Bella Otero
  • Filippo Tommaso Marinetti
  • Enrico Prampolini
  • Giacomo Balla
  • Fortunato Depero
  • Pier Francesco Pingitore

Institutions

  • Banca d'Italia
  • Salone Margherita
  • Ditta Francesco Peroni
  • Birra Peroni
  • Sala Umberto
  • Fondo Dante Comparto Convivio
  • Compagnia del Bagaglino
  • Ministero della Cultura
  • Soprintendenza speciale archeologia, belle arti e paesaggio di Roma
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Via dei Due Macelli
  • Trinità dei Monti
  • Vigevano
  • Porta Pia
  • Museo Macro
  • Naples
  • via della Mercede

Sources