Milan by Moonlight: Open-Air Cinema Summer 2025
- CineMì
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Summer in Milan can only mean one thing… open-air cinema! 🌙
Each summer, Milan hosts an extensive programme of open-air film screenings at venues across the city, running regularly from June through September.
These screenings are regularly scheduled and typically very affordable - ranging from completely free to around €10.
I highly recommend checking them out - in my opinion, it’s one of the must-do experiences in the city!
Below is a curated list to help you navigate what’s on offer. Please note, however, that it’s not exhaustive. New screenings can pop up anywhere - in theatres, museums, or cultural centres - so stay alert. If you come across something worth sharing, do let me know! 👀
If you’re keen to catch films in their original language, make sure to check the programme in advance, as original version films can be a little rare at these open-air screenings.
Either way, it’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up on films you may have missed this year or discover exciting previews – and all of it sotto le stelle, of course!
✨🎬 All open-air cinema venues have been added to our interactive Cinema Map and are listed in alphabetical order below.
🎦 AriAnteo Chiostro dell'Incoronata
One of my personal favourites! This elegant 15th-century cloister is tucked away in Brera - a peaceful and atmospheric setting, perfect for a quiet evening under the stars.
🎦 AriAnteo CityLife
Located in the sleek, modern CityLife district, this venue is surrounded by skyscrapers and open spaces. It offers a fresh, metropolitan vibe – and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few rabbits hopping around!
🎦 AriAnteo Fabbrica del Vapore
Set in a former industrial space turned cultural centre, this spot blends urban character with creative energy and a youthful crowd. I definitely recommend exploring Fabbrica del Vapore just beyond the cinema – there’s a vibrant year-round programme of exhibitions, performances, and events.
🎦 AriAnteo Palazzo Reale
Nestled beside the iconic Duomo, in the courtyard of the Royal Palace. A grand, historical location that adds elegance to every screening.
🎦 Anteo Palazzo del Cinema – Le Sere dei Mercanti
Located in the atmospheric Vicolo dei Mercanti near Piazza Duomo, this hidden gem feels like a secret cinema in the heart of the city. It begins operating in early to mid-August and runs through to September.
🎦 BiM Milano
BiM, in collaboration with Il Cinemino and the association Sottosuolo, presents riGenerazione Cinema – open-air cinema in Bicocca for everyone, all summer long. One film is screened every Tuesday at 21:00, with free admission.
🎦 Cinema in Cascina
Outside central Milan, open-air screenings take place in scenic cascine (farmhouses) such as Cascina Caremma, Cascina Selva, Cascina Isola Maria, Ex Convento dell’Annunciata, and Hotel Morimondo. All offer an aperitivo alongside the film, creating a peaceful countryside evening – though you can also skip the aperitivo and simply enjoy the screening.
🎦 CineVan / Nuovo Cinema Diffuso
Two cultural associations with a shared mission: bringing cinema out of conventional venues and into neighbourhoods, making Milan a truly local, community-based cinema city. Screenings pop up in unique locations like Parco Ravizza, BiG – Borgo Intergenerazionale Greco, and SUN STRAC at Laghetto Parco Nord. All screenings are free!
🎦 Estate al Castello – Castello Sforzesco
From June to September, the City of Milan hosts a range of cultural events, from music to theatre, in the stunning courtyard of Castello Sforzesco. The programme varies throughout the summer and includes open-air cinema. These screenings tend to be slightly more expensive, and booking in advance is highly recommended.
🎦 Mare Culturale Urbano
Situated in western Milan, Mare Culturale Urbano is a hybrid space for artistic and cultural production. From Tuesday to Sunday, they screen recent releases, auteur films, Italian cinema, and even original-language titles. Tickets are €5, with a reduced rate of €4.
🎦 Nuovo Armenia
A community-oriented space hosting open-air screenings of contemporary films from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. A membership card (tessera) is required – available online or on site.
🦟 With this guide, you can experience Milan on the big screen this summer – and don’t forget your mosquito spray!
🍿 This list will be updated throughout the summer as more locations (such as BAM or Cinema Darsena) join the open-air party.
📩🎬 Are you a cinema operator? If you’d like to be listed here or if any of the information above needs updating, please contact me at cinemi.milan@gmail.com.
📍And don’t forget to check our interactive CineMap, where you’ll find open-air cinema locations marked in green with a star emoji.
See you soon, and happy watching!
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