Florence once again presents a new allure with the presence of Giunti Odeon, a bookstore and cinema that captivates. Located within the fifteenth-century Palazzo degli Strozzini, Giunti Odeon becomes a symbol of the fusion of history and modernity. It is not just a cinema but also a library and a social space offering an extraordinary cultural experience.
Giunti Odeon
Reopened at the end of 2023 after a temporary closure, Giunti Odeon presents a refreshing new look and houses a large library from Giunti, a renowned Florence-based publisher established in 1956. Restoration work carried out by Studio Benaim, based in Florence, preserves classical architectural elements, including fountains, decorations on pillars, tapestries, and domes, restoring their original splendor.
Exploring the World Among Bookshelves and Grand Cinemas
The ground floor, once filled with theater seats, has now transformed into dozens of bookshelves spanning 1200 meters. Visitors can freely browse through a collection of over 25,000 titles, seeking inspiring reads. Meanwhile, its upper floor maintains its original design, with a semi-circular gallery and comfortable balcony seating, offering an unforgettable film-watching experience in the original language with translated subtitles.
Odeon Café and Restaurant
Not only providing a cultural experience, Giunti Odeon is also home to Odeon Café and Restaurant, serving dishes from various culinary traditions. Operating every day from 08:30 to 23:00 CET, and until 2 am CET on Fridays and Saturdays, the cafe is a perfect place to enjoy delicious meals, tempting pastries, as well as high-quality coffee and beverages. Visitors can savor these treats while reading their favorite books or enjoying a film in the adjacent cinema.
History of Palazzo degli Strozzini
Built-in the fifteenth century, Palazzo degli Strozzini has silently witnessed the changes of time. Originally designed by Palla Strozzi and developed by Michelozzo, the palace became home to Cinema Teatro Savoia in 1922.
With its elegant Art Deco design, sculptures by Antonio Maraini, and tapestries by Matilde Festa Piacentini, the palace became a cultural hub presenting world-class films, theater performances, and music. After changing ownership several times, in 2023, Gloria Germani decided to collaborate with the prominent publisher Giunti Editore to secure a bright future for this cultural center.
It can be said that Giunti Odeon brings a fresh spirit to the heart of Florence, combining tradition and innovation. With nightly screenings of films in their original language and translated texts at 9 PM, Giunti Odeon remains true to its vision as a cosmopolitan cultural center. Various events such as book presentations, art exhibitions, concerts, readings, and children's workshops are managed by the renowned artistic director, Gabriele Ametrano, also known as the genius behind the La Città dei Lettori Literary Festival.
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