12/29/2025
In Chile, a group of artists transformed an abandoned old cinema into a free overnight hostel, giving new life to a forgotten cultural space. Instead of removing the original interiors, they kept much of the theater’s character intact. Guests rest on the former velvet cinema seats, now gently adapted for comfort, while soft lighting from restored vintage chandeliers fills the room with a calm, warm glow.
The idea was to reuse an existing structure rather than build something new. The wide hall already offered shelter, high ceilings, ventilation, and protection from weather. By adding simple bedding, blankets, and basic facilities, the space became a peaceful resting area without losing its historical atmosphere. What was once a place for watching stories became a place where real lives could pause and recover.
Artists and volunteers worked together to clean, repair, and maintain the building. They also added small creative touches such as murals, gentle lighting design, and quiet music in the background, helping the space feel respectful and welcoming rather than institutional. The goal was not just to offer a place to sleep, but to restore a sense of beauty, calm, and dignity to a part of the city that had been forgotten.
Guests often describe the experience as surreal and comforting. Falling asleep under chandeliers where movie crowds once gathered creates a feeling of being part of the city again rather than hidden from it. The cinema becomes a shared space once more, serving the community in a new way.
This project shows how creativity can reshape unused spaces into something deeply human. By blending art, architecture, and care, the abandoned cinema found a second life, turning nostalgia into shelter and culture into quiet support.