Here is an articulate, historical and practical description of the Radar Theatre in Monopoli - designed for those wishing to visit the city and enjoy a quality theatrical experience, including the building's history, cultural programming and useful tips for visiting (if you are looking for a holiday home near the Radar Theatre click here)
1. History and identity of the Radar Theatre
The “Radar” Theatre-Cinema-Auditorium is one of Monopoli's main cultural venues, with a history that reflects the city's profound urban and cultural changes.
Origins and construction
The structure was built between 1938 and 1939, at the height of the fascist period, designed by engineer Giambattista Giannoccaro. The building is characterised by a rationalist architectural style, sober and imposing, with clear geometries and clean lines typical of the period, and was built as part of a multiple complex that also included a hotel (Hotel Savoia) located next door, strategically close to the railway station.
Conceived to have two main functions, it housed a cinema hall of considerable capacity and hotel rooms for travellers and guests. Film programming was very active until the early 1980s, when the crisis of traditional cinemas due to the spread of colour television and new ways of enjoying visual content led to the closure of screenings.
Decline and abandonment
From the 1980s, the building fell into gradual decay: the hall stopped functioning as a cinema while the hotel had already ceased operations in the 1970s. For a long period, it was the seat of public offices and archive activities, but no longer a pulsating cultural centre.
Contemporary renaissance
In 1987, the Municipality of Monopoli purchased the building, beginning a process that would lead years later to its redevelopment as a major theatre and cultural space.
After decades of closure, the theatre was reopened to the public on 7 March 2018, after 33 years of inactivity, thanks to restorations and interventions that have preserved its historical identity while adapting it to modern entertainment and cultural needs.
Today, the Radar Theatre has a capacity of about 450 seats, is equipped with appropriate technology for theatre performances, film screenings, musical events and cultural meetings, and is managed by Teatri di Bari, an important theatrical reality that takes care of artistic programming in collaboration with the Municipality and the Ministry of Culture.
2. The building: architecture and spaces
Although originally conceived as a cinema and performance hall, today the Radar Theatre is a multifunctional auditorium. City of Monopoli
Building characteristics
Architectural style: rationalist, with sober façades and functional lines from the 1930s.
Capacity: approx. 450 seats, divided between stalls and gallery.
Ancillary spaces: the complex extends beyond just the theatre hall and is also connected to other areas of cultural use, including teaching spaces related to the “Nino Rota” Conservatory of Music (still operating in the adjacent complex).
Roof garden: in recent years, an open-air space on the roof has been activated, which is used for summer festivals including cinema under the stars, astronomical observations, musical performances and stand-up comedy, thus extending the cultural offer beyond the winter theatre season.
The environment combines historical rigour and functionality for the performing arts, with acoustics designed for live performances and the possibility of staging theatre, music, conference and projection productions.
3. Theatre programming: quality and variety
Teatro Radar's artistic season is curated annually with a playbill that ranges from prose theatre to family shows, from classical plays to contemporary dramaturgy, with the contribution of Bari Theatres and artistic directors such as Teresa Ludovico.
Recent examples of seasons
Season 2025-26 “Rebirth”
The playbill includes shows by top actors and directors such as Carlo Buccirosso, Biagio Izzo, and productions that reinterpret classics or tackle contemporary themes. This season alternates comedy, social reflection and contemporary storytelling.
Season 2024-25 “Crossings”
A review of some 15 performances, with rich dramaturgies and shows aimed at a wide audience, including events designed for young people and adults with names such as Ettore Bassi and Donatella Finocchiaro. The Monopoly Times
Season 2023-24 “Flashes”
Here, the theatre has hosted great performers such as Nino Frassica and shows also dedicated to families with a specific section for children and young people. Puglia News 24+1
Targets and proposals
The Radar's offer is aimed at a different age group:
evening shows for adults and families;
matinees and sections dedicated to schools and the younger generation;
open-air summer festivals on multicultural and interdisciplinary themes.
4. Practical tips for visiting the Radar Theatre
How to get there
The theatre is located in Via Magenta, 71 in Monopoli, easily accessible from the historic centre and the railway station - an advantage for those arriving by train.
Tickets and subscriptions
Tickets for performances should be booked in advance, especially for productions with big names or in the high season.
It is possible to buy both single tickets and season tickets, which offer savings and the possibility of attending several events of the season.
Tickets often available online via circuits such as Vivaticket or directly at the box office.
Box office hours
The box office is normally open Tuesday to Friday, usually in the late afternoon - useful information if you wish to collect or purchase tickets in person. City of Monopoli
Before the show
Arrive at least 30 minutes early, especially on busy evenings.
If you are visiting Monopoli for the first time, consider combining an evening of theatre with a stroll through the historic centre or along the waterfront, both charming and atmospheric, perfect for a pre- or post-theatre dinner.
5. Why it is worth coming to the theatre in Monopoli
The Radar Theatre is not only a historic building, but a living place of culture and encounter:
connects Monopoli to national and international theatre circuits;
offers seasons with high-profile casts and significant dramaturgies;
offers cultural events and attractions in addition to drama alone, including music, cinema and special festivals;
is an integral part of the cultural renaissance of the city, a symbol of appreciation of its historical and artistic heritage.
If you want a complete cultural experience in Monopoli - one that combines history, entertainment and city life - an evening at the Radar Theatre is a choice of quality and depth, suitable for both residents and out-of-town visitors.
Via Magenta, 71/73, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy
+39 335 756 4788
www.teatridibari.it/teatro-radar/
ph Mario Fiume