It is a place where time seems to stand still, taking us back to the golden age of cinema and to the beginnings of the career of one of Italy’s cinematic giants, Federico Fellini.
This magical place, located in the heart of Rimini, was the first training ground for a young and curious Fellini, who found in the darkness of the theater an open window to the dreams and stories he would one day share with the world.
Imagine a young Federico, just a boy, eyes wide open before the big screen.
The lights dim, the murmur of the theater quiets, and the film Maciste in Hell begins.
For young Fellini, every scene is a spell, every shot a revelation.
It is in this cozy and shadowy environment that his love for cinema begins to blossom.
For Fellini, the Fulgor was not just a cinema; it was a workshop of ideas, a place of escape where reality blended with fantasy, pushing him to explore the boundaries between the possible and the imaginary.
The films projected on the Fulgor’s big screen served as unconventional lessons for the young director, who absorbed narrative techniques, visual styles, and the subtle arts of directing—even before knowing he would one day create masterpieces of his own.
It was here, in this theater of dreams, that Fellini began building his cinematic universe, influenced by captivating plots and larger-than-life characters that filled the screen.
The Fulgor offered him an escape from the everyday and a gateway to infinite creative possibilities.
Dante Ferretti’s Vision: Restoring a Glorious Past
When the Fulgor Cinema closed its doors, it seemed that a piece of Rimini’s cinematic history was destined to disappear.
However, the rebirth of this iconic space became possible thanks to the visionary intervention of Dante Ferretti, a world-renowned production designer who worked closely with Federico Fellini on several of his most celebrated films.
Ferretti took on the task not only of restoring the cinema but of transforming it into a living tribute to the golden era of 1930s cinema—a time of brilliance and artistic innovation.
Ferretti’s vision for the Fulgor was not merely one of renovation.
It was a rebirth, an artistic resurrection meant to reconnect Rimini’s present with its illustrious cinematic past.
To achieve this, Ferretti delved deeply into research on the architectural and decorative elements typical of cinemas from that era.
He explored archives, visited restored old theaters, and consulted film historians to ensure every detail of the Fulgor authentically reflected the style and ambiance of the period.
The result is astonishing: today, the Fulgor shines with opulent decorations, intricate stuccoes, and an interior design that evokes the timeless elegance of the grand movie palaces.
The entrance to the cinema, with its soft lighting and elegant décor, welcomes visitors and transports them back in time.
The interior halls, named “Giulietta” and “Federico” in honor of Giulietta Masina and Federico Fellini, are masterpieces of design, where every chair, lamp, and curtain was chosen or created to evoke the feeling of a bygone era—one never forgotten.
Beyond pure aesthetics, the restoration of the Fulgor under Ferretti’s direction also aimed to turn the cinema into an active cultural center, capable of hosting modern events while preserving its historical spirit.
This balance between old and new is evident in the projection technology and sound system, both fully modernized to offer high-quality cinematic experiences while remaining hidden from view so as not to disturb the historic atmosphere.
The transformation of the Fulgor Cinema, then, was not just a physical renovation, but an act of love and respect for cinema history and for the culture of Rimini.
Dante Ferretti has breathed new life into a place that is once again at the heart of the city’s cultural life, offering locals and visitors alike an experience that is both a journey through time and a deep dive into the world of cinema.
A Cultural Stage for Rimini
The rebirth of the Fulgor Cinema marked a significant chapter not only in preserving cinematic heritage but also in the cultural renewal of the city of Rimini.
Transformed into a vibrant cultural center, the Fulgor goes far beyond its original function as a movie theater.
It is now a hub of activity that celebrates the art, history, and cultural identity of Rimini, attracting not only cinema enthusiasts but anyone interested in art and history.
With the recent opening of the Fellini Museum nearby, Cinema Fulgor has strengthened its position as a focal point of the city’s cultural life.
This synergy between the cinema and the museum creates a cultural complex where visitors can move from film screenings to art galleries, offering an immersive experience that fully embraces the legacy of Federico Fellini and the historical richness of Rimini.
The permanent exhibitions at Cinema Fulgor, which include original drawings by Fellini, set design sketches, and the director’s personal artifacts, turn every visit into a living lesson on his technique and artistic vision.
The opportunity to watch Fellini’s films in the very place where they were conceived adds an extra layer of understanding and appreciation for his work.
These elements not only celebrate Fellini’s genius but also highlight how he captured and reinterpreted the essence of Rimini through his cinema.
The theater regularly hosts events, workshops, lectures, and temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of visual and performing arts, extending its impact well beyond the screen.
Its collaborations with cultural institutions, universities, and other artistic organizations have enabled the Fulgor to become a driving force for culture in Rimini, offering initiatives that foster community involvement and international interest.
This dynamic programming not only enriches local cultural life but also places Rimini on the map as a significant cultural destination, showing that the city has much more to offer than its famous beaches and nightlife.
Moreover, the Fulgor’s commitment to education and cultural engagement has given rise to educational programs that attract school groups and study tours, helping new generations understand and appreciate the rich historical and artistic fabric of Rimini.
These educational initiatives not only inform but also inspire young people to explore and actively participate in cinematic and artistic culture.
In this way, Cinema Fulgor has become much more than just a movie theater—it is a vibrant center of culture and history, a place where the past meets the present and invites everyone to join in the ongoing cultural narrative of Rimini.
Rimini through Fellini’s Eyes
For many, Rimini conjures images of long sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, but thanks to Cinema Fulgor, the city offers a deeper, more nuanced vision—one seen and lived by Federico Fellini.
The Fulgor stands as a gateway through which we can explore Rimini not only as a tourist destination, but as a place of extraordinary cultural and historical richness—a place that deeply influenced and inspired one of the world’s greatest filmmakers.
Through Fellini’s films, many of which reflect his experiences and observations of life in Rimini, the Fulgor invites visitors to look beyond the surface.
The streets and alleys of Rimini, often immortalized in his works, are not mere settings, but stages where stories of everyday life unfold, capturing the essence of the human condition.
These places, so vividly depicted in his films, become through his lens symbols of an era and a cultural character that is unique in its kind.
Fellini always had the ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
In his classic “Amarcord”, for example, the Rimini he portrays is not just a backdrop for tales of rebellious adolescents, but a living character, full of colors, emotions, and memories.
Through his cinema, Fellini not only documented life in Rimini in his time, but also idealized and eternalized it, offering a narrative that is both personal and universal.
The Cinema Fulgor, as a place of celebration of this legacy, offers viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the same streets and squares that inspired Fellini. It’s an experience that goes beyond merely watching a film.
It’s an immersion into Fellini’s psyche and, consequently, into the true soul of Rimini.
Here, every monument, every face, every glimpse tells a story, enriched by the director’s unique perspective.
Not just a place for summer fun, but a city with a deep artistic and historical heritage.
This new perception helps foster a more conscious and passionate tourism, attracting those in search of a more authentic and enriching experience.
Through the Fulgor’s activities, Rimini rediscovers and renews itself, showing both visitors and locals that there is much more to discover beneath the surface of what might seem like just another holiday destination.
The Fulgor not only preserves Fellini’s vision but spreads it, inviting everyone to see Rimini not only with their own eyes but through the eyes of one of its most illustrious sons.
The future of the Fulgor: A commitment to art and the community
Today, the Cinema Fulgor represents more than ever a beating heart for the city of Rimini.
I invite you to visit Cinema Fulgor, not only to enjoy a film but to completely immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Rimini.
Sitting in its restored halls is like hearing the echo of laughter and applause from the past, feeling the historical heartbeat of a city that has so much to tell.
The Fulgor offers an experience that transcends simply watching a film – it’s an invitation to travel through time and space, into the cultural heart of our beloved Rimini.
Cinema Fulgor is not just a tribute to Federico Fellini, but a living promise that every corner of Rimini has a story to tell, steeped in art, culture, and passion.
It is a place where the past meets the present and inspires the future, where every visitor can feel part of something greater — a community fabric rich in history and creativity.
Next time you’re in Rimini, stop by the Cinema Fulgor.
Let yourself be enveloped by the atmosphere of this historic place, where every detail speaks of passion and art.
It’s a chance to see Rimini through a different lens — one of culture and history that lives and breathes in every corner of the city.
Come and discover the Rimini I love — a living museum as rich in history as in modern vitality, a place where every visitor can find something that deeply resonates with their own spirit.
And while you’re in Rimini, why not turn this visit into a memorable stay? Book your vacation now at the Aqua Hotel in Rimini, where every detail is designed to offer you an unforgettable experience.
I’ll be waiting for you in Rimini.
Cristian
