When the warm summer evenings arrive, the open-air cinemas in Florence become an unmissable attraction for tourists and locals alike. These unique venues offer a blend of culture, entertainment, and the opportunity to enjoy films under the starry sky. Here are the main arenas. The dates below are those of the 2024 season: they change every year, but the venues and the format stay the same, so it is worth checking the official sites before heading out.
The summer arenas, one by one
Florence, with its rich history and vibrant culture, comes alive during the summer with numerous open-air cinema initiatives. The open-air cinemas in Florence do not just let you watch great films: they take you into some of the most charming corners of the city.
Nuovo Cinema Universale al Conventino
After the success of previous editions, “Nuovo Cinema Universale al Conventino” returns to the charming cloister of the Conventino. This festival, organized by the Associazione Città Sostenibile, celebrates the famous Cinema Universale, which opened in the 1940s and closed in 1989. The aim is to keep the memory of this iconic place alive by offering great films from the past and more recent titles. The festival is part of the Estate Fiorentina programme and is a chance to rediscover art-house cinema in a historic setting.
Cinema Chiardiluna
Located in the heart of the Oltrarno, Cinema Chiardiluna offers a summer program from June 13th to July 30th. This open-air cinema presents a wide selection of films, from Italian classics to international hits. The seating was renovated recently and is noticeably more comfortable. This cinema is perfect for those looking for an evening of great cinema in one of Florence’s most charming areas.
Chiostro di Sant’Orsola
From July 1st to September 8th, Spazio Alfieri moves to the cloister of the former convent of Sant’Orsola, a historic site in the heart of Florence. With 150 seats and a large screen, this open-air cinema offers a program that includes the best auteur films of the past season, retrospectives, and special guests. This project is part of the broader plan to redevelop the convent, which is set to become a museum. It is an opportunity to rediscover and enhance Florence’s cultural heritage through cinema.
Cinema in Villa Bardini
From July 9th to August 29th, the Garden of Villa Bardini hosts one of Florence’s most panoramic open-air cinemas. With a breathtaking view of the city, the program offers the best of the season and the latest summer releases. In the 2024 season admission was free for families on Wednesdays: a formula that has recurred over the years, but one worth checking each summer. Given the high attendance in previous years, advance ticket sales are recommended on the Villa Bardini and Cinema in Villa websites.
Locations, dates and official sites
- Nuovo Cinema Universale al Conventino
- Location: Conventino Cloister, Florence
- Activity Period: From June 12th
- Website: Il Conventino Caffè Letterario
- Free admission until seats are filled
- Cinema Chiardiluna
- Location: San Frediano area, Oltrarno, Florence
- Activity Period: From June 13th to July 30th
- Website: Cinema Chiardiluna
- Chiostro di Sant’Orsola
- Location: Former convent of Sant’Orsola, Florence
- Activity Period: From July 1st to September 8th
- Website: Spazio Alfieri
- Cinema in Villa Bardini
- Location: Garden of Villa Bardini, Florence
- Activity Period: From July 9th to August 29th
- Website: Villa Bardini
- To book: Booking link
Open-air cinemas in Florence: how to plan
Immerse yourself in the magic of Florence’s summer nights: at the open-air cinemas in Florence the big screen blends with the city’s history and architecture. If the evening at the Garden of Villa Bardini appeals to you, we also write about it in our piece on the gardens in Florence; and if the cinema is in Oltrarno, there are the ice cream shops of the area before or after.
