Rome’s city government has approved the technical and economic feasibility project for the Casa della Cultura in Ostia, housed in the former San Fiorenzo market at via Rodolfo Grimaldi Casta 7 in Municipio X. The project covers the building and its outdoor spaces, with a total investment of €2.2 million. It aims to make full use of a public building that the city says is currently only partly usable.

What changes outdoors

Works will begin in the first quarter of 2027 with the outdoor areas. The site will be merged with Parco Gianni Rodari into a single public space by removing the fence that separates the two areas. The abandoned swimming pool basins will be removed and the former changing rooms demolished. The new open space will include:

  • a stepped square for performances and meetings;
  • a space for an open-air cinema;
  • book exchange points and panels for exhibitions;
  • shaded seating for studying and reading, and fitness equipment.

Landscaping, furniture, park lighting and a system that collects rainwater for irrigation complete the outdoor works.

The building

Inside, the building will offer spaces for cultural, training and social activities, for performances, meetings, music, reading and study, together with a literary and social café. The renovation will also improve accessibility, update building systems and raise energy efficiency through work on windows and doors, climate control and lighting. According to the councillor for public works, Ornella Segnalini, the city will start with the outdoor areas while design work for the building continues.

Why the city is doing it

The culture councillor, Massimiliano Smeriglio, said a strong youth campaign developed around the request for the cultural centre. He said its open-air cinema will add to the summer arenas, which already increased in 2026. He added that the centre will give residents another meeting place to break isolation.

Background

In a separate decision, the Assemblea Capitolina approved an update of the Carta per la qualità of Rome’s general urban plan. The update added 677 historic villas to the Carta, 9 of them in Ostia Lido.