Galleria San Federico and Historic Cinema Lux
Why is it significant?
Step into the grand, cathedral-like vaulted interior of Galleria San Federico, accessible directly from Via Roma and Via Viotti.
Key Facts
| Place | Galleria San Federico and Historic Cinema Lux |
|---|---|
| Address | Via Roma 208, 10121 Turin, Italy |
| Geo Coordinates | 45.06820, 7.68150 |
| Part of Walk | Piazza San Carlo, Egyptian Museum and Palazzo Carignano: The Elegant Heart of Turin |
| Generated | Generated |
Step into the grand, cathedral-like vaulted interior of Galleria San Federico, accessible directly from Via Roma and Via Viotti. Inaugurated in October 1933 to designs by architect Federico Canova and engineer Vittorio Bonadè Bottino as part of the radical rationalist redevelopment of the second section of Via Roma, this T-shaped covered gallery stands as one of the most magnificent commercial passages built in Europe between the world wars. A soaring elliptical central dome fitted with glass-brick coffers floods the geometric yellow Siena and Bardiglio marble mosaic floors with radiant daylight, while the polished interior facades feature monolithic stone columns, travertine cornices, and lustrous burnished brass deco shopfronts. Located at the heart of the passage is the historic Cinema Lux, opened in 1934 as the Cinema Rex, celebrated for its spectacular subterranean theater with tiered balconies, regarded as Turin's premier temple for film premieres. Footsteps echo majestically across the marble paving. Elegant glass vitrines display tailored Italian menswear, leather goods, and fine pens beneath polished marble pilasters and original brass moldings.
Notice the engineering sophistication of the complex: it was designed as a cutting-edge multifunctional civic center complete with modern centralized air conditioning, high-speed electric passenger elevators, and a subterranean delivery road, serving for decades as the editorial headquarters of the newspaper La Stampa and the Juventus football club.
The Cinema Lux has miraculously preserved its original 1930s deco decor and acoustics, surviving wartime bombardments to host screenings for the Torino Film Festival and gala premieres with celebrated international filmmakers.
Look up toward the glass dome: circular glass-and-concrete skylights trace a dynamic geometric web that captures the industrial optimism and modern style of 1930s Turin.
Exit onto Via Santa Teresa and walk west to reach the broad expanse of Piazza Solferino.