Politeama, Theater and cinema in Como, Italy

Politeama is a theater and cinema in Como with spaces designed for both live theatrical performances and film screenings. The building contains multiple venues that allow the facility to host different types of productions simultaneously.

The Teatro Politeama was built on the initiative of box holders from the Teatro Sociale, who founded a company in April 1908 with over 150,000 lire and a municipal plot between viale Cavallotti and piazza Cacciatori delle Alpi. Architect Federico Frigerio designed it without boxes, with a stalls area and two gallery tiers, and construction began on 1 July 1909, using reinforced concrete for the first time in a Como building. It opened on 14 September 1910 with Puccini's La bohème, later became a cinema, and closed to the public in 2005.

The name Politeama, from the Greek for 'many shows', matches its original programme: the 1908 founders wanted a popular venue for theatre, cinema, café-chantant and even circus performances. Architect Federico Frigerio therefore designed the hall without boxes, with a stalls area and two gallery tiers.

The Politeama closed to the public in 2005, so it cannot be visited for shows or screenings. It stands between viale Cavallotti and piazza Cacciatori delle Alpi, a short walk from Como's centre, and can be seen from the street.

The building displays architectural elements from the early 20th century that are still visible today, preserving a piece of Como's cultural past. This older structure stands in contrast with the modern cinema halls and theatrical technology found inside.