A New Chapter for Cinema Astra

Como is a city shaped by culture, where science, architecture, and the arts intersect. It’s a place where creativity isn’t confined to galleries but shines through different mediums: on the field at Giuseppe Sinigaglia, through performances at Teatro Sociale, and in the dark rooms of Cinema Astra, the last historic cinema in Como.

Located at Viale Giulio Cesare 3, Cinema Astra has been a cultural cornerstone for the city since 1968. After closing for four years due to disrepair and regulatory challenges, it was reopened and revived on 7 December 2022, thanks to a community-led fundraiser entitled “SalviAmo l’Astra”, meaning “Let’s save Astra” with Amo highlighting love.

In 2024, a second renovation also supported by Como 1907, specifically focused on the balcony, looked to add 150 more seats to the space, enhancing the cinema’s capacity without altering its original character. The fundraiser for the balcony was entitled “RiapriAmo la balconata”, meaning “let’s reopen Astra” with again an emphasis on love.

The completely renovated cinema with its new spacious balcony was inaugurated on 29 January, 2025. The reopening was a moment of pride for the city, drawing 320 attendees, including Como 1907’s CEO Francesco Terrazzani. The event featured two parts: an afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony and an evening screening of Berlinguer – La grande Ambizione, and a discussion with the film’s director about the role of small cinemas in maintaining cultural relevance following the film.

Cinema Astra is more than a movie theater, it’s a centre for the community. In addition to showing films, it hosts school groups, cultural events and remains home to Como’s historic Cineforum, active since the 1950s. With over 700 members, it is one of Lombardy’s most renowned film discussion forums.

Cinema Astra’s revival is not just about restoring a cinema but about strengthening the ties that bind a city and maintaining its history.