Two years ago we had already talked about the Odeon Cinema and its (next) new life: one of the city’s historic cinemas was in fact ready to be rearranged and partially reconverted. But between the COVID-related crisis and the consequences of the war in Ukraine, things have lengthened a bit, perhaps more than necessary in a dynamic city like Milan. But fortunately, it seems that the construction site is ready to go: in fact, the redevelopment works on the building will begin in August.
The Odeon cinema redevelopment project envisages a series of shops, offices and restaurants alongside the cinemas, which however will be reduced in number and size. Unfortunately, however, nothing official has leaked, and the news is very few. If not one, decidedly important: on 1 August 2023 the Odeon will close definitively, 18 months in advance of the expiry of the lease.
The Odeon, now managed by The Space Cinema, was the first multiplex in Milan. What we know today is that it will be converted into a shopping mall with shops and restaurants, but fortunately it seems that the planners have foreseen that some rooms will remain active in the basement, built with the characteristic art-deco elements of the original building, to give sense of continuity to one of the most important buildings, also from a cultural point of view, in the city centre. Cinema is in fact still today one of the most appreciated by enthusiasts, thanks also to its long tradition in the screening of art films, foreign films and independent cinematographic works.
The restyling project of the Odeon is signed by Progetto Cmr and managed by Dea Capital Real Estate Sgr, and guarantees that the entrance foyer will remain unchanged, with its polychrome marbles and the main staircase leading to the ground floor. The Space, for its part, has demonstrated the possibility of continuing to manage the cinema even after the redevelopment, albeit with a different conformation.
The history of Odeon cinema
The history of the Cinema Odeon in Milan dates back to 1928, when it was opened as a luxury cinema theater. It was designed by the architect Francesco De Minico and its construction represented an important development for the time, thanks to the use of cutting-edge technologies for lighting and acoustics.
The Odeon was initially known as the “Cinema Teatro Odeon” and could seat up to 1,500 spectators. During the 1930s and 1940s, the cinema became an important point of reference for Milanese film culture, showing successful Italian and foreign films. After the war, the Odeon expanded its programming to include art films and independent cinema.
Over the years, cinema has undergone various transformations and adaptations to new needs. In 1968, the Odeon became a two-screen cinema, introducing a smaller hall called the “Sala Cinerama”. In 1991, a third room was added, the “Triplex Room”.
In the following years, the Odeon Cinema continued to play a vital role in promoting auteur cinema and screening quality films. In 2007, it was renovated and modernized, while still maintaining the original atmosphere. It has been equipped with new technologies to improve the visual and acoustic experience of the spectators.
Today, the Odeon Cinema is run by The Space Cinema circuit, but retains its identity as an arthouse cinema. In addition to film screenings, the Odeon also hosts film festivals, retrospectives, meetings with directors and actors, thus offering a complete cinematic experience for film enthusiasts.
Where is the Odeon cinema
The Odeon Cinema is located in the center of Milan, precisely in via Santa Radegonda, 8. This street is located in the area adjacent to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the main tourist attractions of the city. The central location of the Odeon makes it easily accessible both on foot and by public transport.
