Former Odeon Cinema in Milan

The Odeon of Milan is a building located near Piazza Duomo. The exterior of the cinema has a style tending towards art deco, accompanied by a certain monumentality.

Previously used as a multiplex cinema (until 31 July 2023) and theatre, it was inaugurated in 1929.

The name Odeon derives from the Greek "ode" ("to sing") and means "building intended for musical competitions". In place of the Odeon, the Santa Radegonda plant previously stood, the first thermoelectric plant in Italy, demolished in 1926.

With the contribution of the Pittaluga family, which in those years was involved in film production, between 1927 and 1929 was built the new building designed by Giuseppe Laveni and Aldo Avati.

The inauguration took place on November 26, 1929, with a preview by invitation and the city authorities also participated.

The first director was Ugo Bossi. In periods of decline in takings, such as at the end of the thirties and during the war, the Odeon also combines the music hall.

Hit during the bombings of early August 1943, the Odeon reopened on November 7 of the same year. After the reopening it hosts the concerts of the orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala, damaged by the bombings of August.

The Space Cinema was born in 2009, the project also includes the Odeon, which changes its name to The Space Odeon.

On 1 August 2023, the cinema closed to be reconverted: in the building, in addition to 5 cinemas, there will also be a shopping gallery, restaurants and offices.

Map: Former Odeon Cinema in Milan