by InTrieste
After nearly two years of renovation, the historic Cinema Ariston in Trieste has been unveiled to local authorities and the press as a fully transformed, state-of-the-art cultural hub. Owned by the cultural association La Cappella Underground, the space is poised to reopen to the public in the second half of May.
Located at 14 Viale Romolo Gessi, the renovated venue will serve not only as a movie theater but also as a multifunctional space designed to host exhibitions, talks, educational workshops, presentations, and other events. The aim, organizers say, is to offer the community an innovative and original cultural platform.
A new addition to the venue is a café space managed by local favorite MUG Bakery, where visitors will be able to enjoy coffee and pastries from morning onward. Tables will be set up outside the cinema, making it a welcoming spot not just for filmgoers but for anyone looking to spend time in a lively cultural environment.
The official presentation on Wednesday morning was attended by Vice President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Mario Anzil, Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel, and City Council President Francesco di Paola Panteca.
“After two intense years, we are finally ready to reopen,” said Chiara Barbo, president of La Cappella Underground. “This project has transformed a historic cinema into a cutting-edge space. While high-quality cinema remains at the heart of the Ariston, the venue is now also a welcoming and inclusive cultural hub. It’s a place for education, creativity, collaboration, and conversation.”
Barbo emphasized that the renovation was made possible through a range of public and private support, including funding from the Italian Ministry of Culture via the EU-financed National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) for energy efficiency. Additional contributions came from the Regional Department of Culture, the CRTrieste Foundation, Banca Etica, and Intesa San Paolo’s Third Sector branch.
“This is a prime example of how access to cultural spaces can also drive broader urban regeneration,” said Vice President Anzil. “We’re proud to have played a part in bringing the Ariston back to life — a place that has long been a symbol of cultural vitality in Trieste.”
With the reopening, the Cinema Ariston is set to reestablish itself as a dynamic space for contemporary cultural programming, rooted in tradition but looking firmly to the future.
