“A skateboarding company in an old cinema?” you might ask. Yes, you heard right! We’re standing in front of what was once Cinema Istria, a grand old picture house designed by Mario Cavallé in the 1940s. Today, it’s home to something completely different: the flagship store and headquarters of Bastard, a skateboarding and snowboarding brand. The building itself is a fascinating blend of old and new. The original cinema structure, with its reinforced concrete arches and a massive ceiling light fixture, has been preserved. Inside, the old seating area is now a sleek retail space, while the former projection room has been transformed into a skate bowl – a testament to the company’s passion for skateboarding. It’s an unusual combination, but it works! The architects, studiometrico, have done a brilliant job of merging the building’s history with Bastard’s modern, edgy aesthetic. Cinema Istria is a striking example of how historic buildings can be given a new lease on life. It’s a testament to Milan’s ability to embrace change while still cherishing its past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to