Beirut’s “Le Colisée Cinema” To Be Renovated After Years Of Closure

Amazing news! After renovating and reopening Tripoli’s iconic Ampere cinema after 28 years of absence, actor and director Kassem Istanbouli has set his sights on renovating “Le Colisée Cinema” in the heart of Hamra. Built back in 1945, it stands as one of the oldest cinemas in the city.

The renovation intends to reopen the cinema as the Lebanese National Theater in Beirut. It will act as a free cultural space where training workshops, festivals, and artistic performances are set to take place.

Talking about the project, Istanbouli said, “The goal of the project is to establish a link between the south, the north, and Beirut, as it is a complement to our dream, which began with the establishment of the Lebanese National Theater in Tyre seven years ago, which is the first free theater and cinema in Lebanon.”

Led by a passionate group of volunteers, the Tiro Association for Arts (TAA) has been working to revive Lebanese cinema. Once featuring prolific filmmakers, iconic movies, and a vibrant cultural scene, Lebanese cinema contributed significantly to the region’s cinematic heritage.

After successfully reviving the Al Hamra and Stars Cinema in Nabatieh, followed by the transformation of the Rivoli Cinema in Tyre into the city’s national theater—the first free cinema and theater in Lebanon—the TAA most recently undertook the restoration of the Ampere Cinema in Tripoli. The association also launched the first edition of the Tripoli International Theater Festival to celebrate.

Check out this video for a glimpse at what remains of the glorious “Le Colisée Cinema” in Beirut:

We are excited to witness the revival of cinema in Lebanon. The remarkable efforts of the TAA are empowering young creatives across Lebanon. These individuals represent the future of Lebanese cinema and theater.

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