Giunti Odeon: Blending Books and Cinema in the Heart of Florence

In recent weeks, social media has been awash with photos of the new Giunti Odeon in Florence, a bookstore-cinema nestled between the stunning Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Strozzi. Here, I’ll share my experience and explain why this place holds a special magic.

Giunti Odeon in Florence: Discover What Makes This Bookstore Unique

There was a time when Odeon was synonymous with cinema in Florence.

Boasting over a century of tradition, it was December 14, 1922, when the lights of what was then called Cinema Teatro Savoia first illuminated. Located in the historic Palazzo dello Strozzino in Florence, the Odeon has always offered a special atmosphere.

I caught the tail end of the Cinema Odeon era over the last 19 years: when I arrived in Italy in 2005, it quickly became my favorite cinema as it offered films in their original language, a rarity in Italian cinemas where dubbing is the norm. It was at the Odeon where I watched my first movie with the man who would become my husband and the father of my daughters. It was one of my favorite places in Florence.

However, like many others, I found myself visiting the Odeon less frequently, whether due to the convenience of watching movies at home (I go to the cinema far less now than I did a decade ago) or the rush of daily life, not to mention the pandemic that halted cinema visits.

Though Cinema Odeon was experiencing a downturn, Florence has a remarkable ability to keep special historical places alive. Thus emerged the idea to merge the cinema space with Giunti, a publishing house founded in Florence in 1956 and one of Italy’s largest publishing groups.

The result is a bookstore-cinema, a unique space in the world, beautiful and inspiring. Here, you can seek inspiration for your next read, find Italian and foreign language books, or catch a film.

Odeon Cinema Schedule

Those wishing to enjoy a film at the Cinema Odeon can check the schedule on the official website. Films are normally shown at 9:00 PM, and ticket prices range from 5 to 12 euros, depending on the seating location, day of the week, and film duration.

During the day, films are also shown with the lights on. Recently, in April 2024, I had the wonderful experience of watching Pretty Woman during lunchtime.

When to Visit Giunti Odeon Bookstore

The Giunti Odeon Bookstore is open daily from 9:30 AM until midnight.

I highly recommend a visit, even for those touring Florence. Here, you can find travel guides, special books about Florence, art, and architecture. Or, you can simply step into a tranquil world and take a break, sitting in one of the comfortable armchairs while selecting your next book.

There’s also a café on-site where you can enjoy a relaxing coffee break.

Where is Giunti Odeon Bookstore-Cinema Located?

The bookstore-cinema Giunti Odeon is located on Via degli Anselmi, just steps from Piazza della Repubblica (next to the Apple store, just take the small street beside it, and you’ll find yourself right in front!).

I hope you can visit this beautiful bookstore, my current favorite in Florence. Don’t confuse Giunti Odeon with the Feltrinelli bookstore at Piazza della Repubblica, which is another great bookstore in Florence but often too chaotic for my taste.

Also read: Discover Anselm Kiefer at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence