ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

New book 'Fantasmi Urbani' explores Rome's abandoned cinemas and proposes revival strategies

publication · 2026-04-26

Silvano Curcio, an architect, has released 'Fantasmi Urbani – La memoria dei cinema di Roma' through Palombi Editore, which investigates the abandoned cinemas of Rome. This work organizes the histories of 160 cinemas into three categories: 'Storie', 'Impronte', and 'Tracce'. It includes photographs by Gina de Bellis and insights from filmmakers, actors, and journalists. The book examines the reasons behind cinema closures and considers the French approach for revitalization. With support from Titanus S.p.A., established in 1904, it showcases successful restorations like Cinema Troisi and Bologna's Academy Hall. It also remembers the Cinema Quadraro, where 1,500 individuals were detained on April 17, 1944. The launch event is scheduled for February 18, 2025, at Circolo Canottieri Roma, with distinguished guests.

Key facts

  • Book 'Fantasmi Urbani – La memoria dei cinema di Roma' by Silvano Curcio published by Palombi Editore
  • Categorizes 160 cinema histories into 'Storie', 'Impronte', and 'Tracce'
  • Photographs by Gina de Bellis
  • Supported by Titanus S.p.A., founded 1904 in Naples
  • Title inspired by 2013 short film by Curcio and students
  • Cinema Troisi in Rome operates profitably with multifunctional spaces
  • Bologna's Academy Hall became 'Extralibera' exhibition space in 2024
  • Cinema Quadraro: site of April 17, 1944 arrest of 1,500 people
  • Airone cinema designed by Adalberto Libera, owned by Municipality of Rome
  • Maestoso cinema designed by Riccardo Morandi, privately owned
  • Book presentation: February 18, 2025, 18:30 at Circolo Canottieri Roma
  • Participants: Pupi Avati, Richard Borg, Masolino D'Amico, Massimo Veneziano, Laura Delli Colli

Entities

Artists

  • Silvano Curcio
  • Gina de Bellis
  • Pupi Avati
  • Richard Borg
  • Masolino D'Amico
  • Massimo Veneziano
  • Laura Delli Colli
  • Luchino Visconti
  • Vittorio De Sica
  • Goffredo Lombardo
  • Peppino Amato
  • Adalberto Libera
  • Riccardo Morandi
  • Paolo Verdeschi

Institutions

  • Palombi Editore
  • Titanus S.p.A.
  • Università LUMSA
  • Ordine degli Architetti di Roma
  • Cinecittà
  • Circolo Canottieri Roma
  • Casa del Cinema
  • Anica
  • SNGCI
  • ICCROM
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Naples
  • Bologna
  • Santa Marinella
  • Lungotevere Flaminio, 39

Sources