Cinema Impero is an Art Deco-style cinema in Asmara, Eritrea, designed by architect Mario Messina and completed in 1937. Built by colonial authorities during the final period of Italian rule in Eritrea, it was the largest movie theater constructed in the city at that time.
The cinema’s name commemorated Benito Mussolini’s conquest of Ethiopia and his proclamation of the Italian Empire. The building exemplifies the refined aesthetic principles of Art Deco design, earning recognition from architectural experts as among the world’s finest examples of the style. Since its construction, the structure has undergone no substantial alterations, and much of the original equipment and seating remains intact.
About the Building
Cinema Impero has survived seven decades of regional conflict in the Horn of Africa without significant damage. Today it continues to function as a cinema and stands as a key tourist attraction in Asmara, alongside the Fiat Tagliero Building and other colonial-era structures. In 2017, Asmara was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional collection of Italian modernist architecture from the colonial period.
Details
- Designer: Mario Messina
- Completed: 1937
- Location: Asmara, Eritrea
- Architectural style: Art Deco
- Status: Operating cinema; UNESCO World Heritage Site (2017)
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Cinema Impero?
Architect Mario Messina designed the building, which was constructed by colonial authorities in Italian 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 in the mid-1930s.
Is the cinema still in use?
Yes, Cinema Impero continues to operate as a cinema today and is recognized as one of the world’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture.
On the heritage map: Cinema Impero
