The Amintore Galli Theatre is the municipal heart of Rimini’s cultural life. On 28 October 2018, after remaining silent for 75 years, the theatre finally reopened its doors following an extensive and meticulous restoration process, reclaiming its role as a premier temple of music.

A Storied Past
Construction originally began in 1843 under the direction of Luigi Poletti, a prominent architect and engineer of the Papal States. Poletti envisioned a monumental building inspired by the solemnity of Greco-Roman temples, a style that set it apart from the traditional European theatres of the era. The theatre was inaugurated in 1857 with the world premiere of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aroldo.

Initially known as the "Teatro Nuovo" (New Theatre), it was renamed "Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II" in 1859. It was only in 1947 that the theatre was dedicated to the local composer Amintore Galli (1845–1919).

Destruction and Rebirth
The theatre’s golden age was cut short in the spring of 1943 during the Second World War. Devastating aerial bombings destroyed nearly 90% of the auditorium and the stage; only the foyer remained largely intact.

Following partial restoration efforts in the late 1990s, the Municipality of Rimini launched a definitive reconstruction project in 2010. The goal was a philological restoration: rebuilding the theatre to be as faithful as possible to Poletti’s original 19th-century vision while meeting modern safety and acoustic standards.

A symbolic milestone was reached on 17 September 2015, with the reopening of the foyer. During the ceremony, the very piano played by Giuseppe Verdi at the 1857 inauguration was returned to Rimini and played once again, bridging over a century of history.

Archaeology and Modernity
The reconstruction also provided a rare opportunity for extensive archaeological excavations. Discoveries beneath the auditorium and stage revealed ancient structures, which have now been integrated into a Multimedia Museum located within the theatre’s foundations. This unique feature allows visitors to journey through Rimini's history, from its Roman roots to its operatic heights.

The Grand Reopening
The theatre officially returned to the international stage on 28 October 2018. The grand reopening was celebrated with a prestigious two-month season featuring world-class artists, including the mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, dance icon Roberto Bolle, and the renowned conductor Valery Gergiev. 
Today, the Galli Theatre stands once again as a vibrant venue for the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana, prose seasons, and prestigious cultural events.

Now it is possible to visit the theater with scheduled tours. Info: +39 0541.53399 (tourist information) 

For those who wish to experience the excitement of the visit in advance, it is possible to immerse yourself in the architectural beauty of the theatre through thisVirtual Tour