Cinema Impero is an Art Deco-style cinema in Asmara, Eritrea, built in 1937 by colonial authorities in Italian Eritrea and designed by architect Mario Messina.
The cinema was the largest movie theater constructed in Asmara during the final period of Italian colonial rule. Its name commemorated Benito Mussolini’s conquest of Ethiopia and his proclamation of the Italian Empire. The building’s robust structure has remained largely unaltered since completion, with most original equipment and seating intact. Cinema Impero continues to function as a cinema and has earned recognition among architectural experts as one of the world’s finest examples of Art Deco design. The building survived structural damage during the region’s conflicts over the subsequent decades.
Today, Cinema Impero stands as a landmark within Asmara’s Italian-period architectural ensemble, which includes the Fiat Tagliero Building, the Presidential Palace, and City Hall. This collection of colonial structures contributed to Asmara’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, acknowledging the city’s significance as an urban planning document of early modernist principles.
About Mario Messina
Mario Messina was the architect who designed Cinema Impero during Italy’s colonial presence in Eritrea.
Details
- Designed by architect Mario Messina
- Completed in 1937
- Located in Asmara, Eritrea
- Art Deco architectural style
- Largest cinema constructed in Asmara during Italian colonial period
- Designated part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2017
- Original structure, equipment and seating largely preserved
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Cinema Impero?
Architect Mario Messina designed Cinema Impero during the Italian colonial administration of Eritrea.
Why was it named Cinema Impero?
The cinema was named after Benito Mussolini’s conquest of Ethiopia and his proclamation of the Italian Empire, reflecting the political context of its construction in 1937.
Is Cinema Impero still in use today?
Yes, the building continues to function as a cinema and remains structurally sound. It is now a tourist attraction and part of Asmara’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation from 2017.
On the heritage map: Cinema Impero
