Rome's Historic Cinema Palazzo Reopens as Hybrid Cultural Hub Palazzo San Lorenzo
On April 19, 2026, the former Cinema Palazzo in Rome's San Lorenzo area reopened its doors as Palazzo San Lorenzo. Curated by ArteSettima, this venue seeks to revive cinema as a communal experience through a diverse program that includes retrospectives and event films, spotlighting filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick and Agnès Varda. In addition to film, it will feature theater performances, concerts, exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives. Originally opened in 1931, the building suffered damage in 1943, was rebuilt, and fell into disuse in the 1990s. A cultural initiative, Nuovo Cinema Palazzo, emerged from a 2011 occupation until its eviction in 2020. The renovation, led by figures like Davide Dose, Spaghetti Unplugged, and Alcazar Live, commenced in January 2024 at Piazza dei Sanniti 9/a, Rome.
Key facts
- The former Cinema Palazzo in Rome's San Lorenzo neighborhood has reopened as Palazzo San Lorenzo.
- The reopening inauguration was held on April 19, 2026, with free entry.
- Film programming is curated by the collective ArteSettima.
- The program includes retrospectives and event films, pairing directors like Stanley Kubrick and Agnès Varda.
- Palazzo San Lorenzo is a hybrid space that will also host theater, concerts, and exhibitions.
- The building was inaugurated in 1931, damaged in 1943 bombings, and abandoned in the 1990s.
- A 2011 occupation created the Nuovo Cinema Palazzo project, which operated until a 2020 eviction.
- Key figures in the revival include Davide Dose, with involvement from Spaghetti Unplugged and Alcazar Live.
Entities
Artists
- Stanley Kubrick
- Agnès Varda
- Davide Dose
Institutions
- ArteSettima
- Spaghetti Unplugged
- Alcazar Live
- Nuovo Cinema Palazzo
- Palazzo San Lorenzo
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- San Lorenzo