Arena del Sole Theatre

The Arena del Sole Theater in Bologna is a place rich in history, culture, and social significance, which has seen its function and appearance change over the centuries. Its origin dates back to 1810, when it was inaugurated as an open-air theater by Pietro Bonini, a leather merchant. The chosen area for construction was previously occupied by the sixteenth-century convent of the Dominican nuns of Santa Maria Maddalena, abandoned following the Napoleonic suppressions of religious corporations. From the beginning, the Arena del Sole stood out for its neoclassical architecture, in contrast to the predominant baroque style, and for its mission to educate and entertain the public. During the early years, the Arena del Sole hosted daytime shows, as indicated by the inscription on the entrance, and its function was closely linked to the civil and patriotic life of the city. The original structure was open, but in 1916 a removable covering was added to allow for film screenings, which quickly became more popular than theater. This change marked a turning point, transforming the Arena into a full-time cinema until 1949. In the 1980s, the Arena del Sole began a new chapter in its history. In 1984, the Municipality of Bologna purchased the building and initiated a complex restoration project, completed in 1995. The restoration, led by architect Gianfranco Dellerba, was inspired by the Farnese Theater in Parma and the Teatro all’Antica in Sabbioneta. One of the most innovative elements introduced was a modular wooden platform, operated by a hydraulic mechanism, capable of raising the audience to the level of the stage and increasing the stage area to 25 meters. The theater was equipped with two halls: the Leo de Berardinis Hall, with a capacity of almost a thousand seats, and the smaller Thierry Salmon Hall, able to accommodate between 220 and 300 spectators. Today, the Arena del Sole is managed by Emilia Romagna Teatro Fondazione, recognized as one of the seven National Theaters in the field of drama. This prestigious status reflects the importance of the theater in the Italian cultural landscape and the quality of the programming it offers. Every year, the theater season at the Arena del Sole presents a variety of shows ranging from drama to dance, concerts to cabaret, making the theater a reference point for culture lovers. A distinctive aspect of the Arena del Sole is its openness to the community. In addition to shows, the theater hosts a bar open to the public, where you can have an aperitif even without buying a ticket for the show. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to make the theater accessible to everyone, with deliberately affordable ticket prices to encourage the participation of a diverse audience.