Re-Valuing Cinema Astoria in Rimini

Rimini's former Cinema Astoria is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once an abandoned space, it is now evolving into a community hub through a participatory regeneration process known as "Return to Astoria." Since 2022, this initiative has engaged citizens, cultural organisations, and local institutions to reclaim and redefine the space as a centre for creativity, collaboration, and social inclusion.

The project builds on years of temporary cultural activities that have kept the spirit of the Astoria alive. From 2015 to 2019, initiatives such as Atelier A-Storia, Rimini Wake Hub, and Reuse Cinema Astoria brought together artists, residents, and organisations to explore the potential of the space. This laid the groundwork for a structured participatory process that took place between 2022 and 2023, inviting the community to shape the future of the venue through events, workshops, and open discussions.

During the first phase in 2022, the Astoria hosted a dynamic three-month cultural programme featuring theatre performances, exhibitions, musical events, and creative workshops. Schools, local associations, and individual citizens played an active role, resulting in 129 initiatives and 66 open days. The second phase in 2023 expanded on this success, increasing participation to 34 organisations and delivering 161 initiatives over 93 open days. Through this hands-on approach, the community experimented with new ways of using the space while defining a shared vision for its long-term role in the city.

A key outcome of these efforts is the Astoria Manifesto, a guiding document that outlines the space’s future as a flexible, accessible, and inclusive cultural hub. Designed to support young people as cultural innovators, the Astoria aims to become a centre for artistic experimentation, social initiatives, and neighbourhood engagement.

From January 2025 to October 2027, the project will move into its next phase: establishing a sustainable management model. Led by the Municipality of Rimini in collaboration with Il Palloncino Rosso, Città Visibili, and Alcantara, the initiative will focus on strengthening partnerships with local organisations, expanding community-led programming, and integrating the Astoria into Rimini’s wider cultural landscape. Planned activities include stakeholder mapping, participatory planning, collaborations with schools and universities, and initiatives that promote social inclusion.

Return to Astoria stands as an inspiring example of how participatory adaptive reuse can breathe new life into historic spaces. By combining cultural heritage with community-driven innovation, the project is not only preserving a piece of Rimini’s past but also creating new opportunities for engagement, creativity, and shared urban experiences.