Rome's "The Big Chill" extended until August 14th: over 20 people in climate-controlled shelters.

"Il Grande Freddo ," the initiative promoted by Rome's capital city, will continue until August 14, 2026. The project, created to address the consequences of the prolonged heatwaves affecting the capital , combines protection from the heat, culture, and socializing through a network of cinemas, libraries, and cultural spaces.

The decision to extend the initiative came after the strong response seen in the first few weeks and in light of the persistently high temperatures. The city administration's goal is to continue providing accessible refreshment points, especially for those who may have greater difficulty protecting themselves from the extreme heat.

Over 20 people in the free spaces from July 23rd

The numbers collected by Rome Capital show significant participation. From July 23rd to August 4th, over 20 people enjoyed the spaces made available for free as part of the project, visiting movie theaters, libraries, and other participating cultural venues.

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This fact has prompted the Capitoline Hill to continue the program beyond the originally planned deadline. The cultural climate shelters thus become not only a response to high temperatures, but also places where people can spend a few hours of the day in more comfortable conditions, while maintaining access to meeting opportunities and cultural activities.

Nine cinemas involved with free screenings

One of the main pillars of "The Big Chill" is represented by movie theaters . Nine cinemas are involved in the project, offering two free screenings , made possible thanks to the collaboration with Anec , the National Association of Cinema Operators.

Opening theaters during the hottest hours of the day allows already air-conditioned facilities to be used as temporary reception centers. The cinema thus takes on a function beyond its traditional one: it becomes a public space offering relief from the heat and simultaneously a free opportunity for cultural enjoyment.

Eleven libraries as refrigerated reading rooms

Eleven libraries in Rome are also participating in the network , transformed during the initiative into places to read, meet, or simply spend a few hours sheltered from the outside temperatures. Free bottled water is also being distributed in participating institutions , supported by the Civil Protection Department.

The Municipality notes, however, that some of the eleven libraries will be closed until the end of the August 14th initiative. Therefore, residents and visitors are encouraged to check the actual opening days and hours of each location through the official channels of Rome City Council and Rome Libraries.

Teatro Argentina and Palazzo delle Esposizioni are also involved

The project also involved some of the city's best-known cultural venues. Among the spaces made available were the Sala Squarzina of the Teatro Argentina , along with some rooms of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni.

The program includes the Auditorium and the area dedicated to Emergency's exhibition “Revelation” by Lorenzo Meloni , thus expanding the network of places where visitors can find both refreshment and a cultural offering.

The extension until August 14th

The response obtained in the first few weeks and the continuation of the high temperatures have therefore led Rome Capital to extend “The Big Cold” until August 14 , keeping the participating cinemas and libraries available to citizens according to their respective opening calendars.

The initiative is based on the desire to create a network of public spaces or spaces open to the public capable of offering concrete assistance during intensely hot days. The initiative is particularly important for the elderly, people living alone, and residents who lack adequate air conditioning systems in their homes.

Gualtieri: "Concrete measures to protect the most vulnerable."

The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri , underlined the importance of the extension, highlighting the need for an institutional response to heat waves, with particular attention to the most vulnerable sections of the population.

“ The heat waves currently affecting Rome require institutions to implement concrete measures to protect people, especially the most vulnerable, ” the mayor declared, explaining that the extension was also decided in light of the extraordinary turnout recorded in the previous weeks.

Gualtieri: "Over 20 people have found a welcoming and free place."

Gualtieri recalled how over 20 people have already found free, air-conditioned accommodations in cinemas, libraries, and other participating spaces, allowing them to while away the most difficult hours of the day.

According to the mayor, the result demonstrates the value of networking culture and public services to address a phenomenon that, partly due to climate change, tends to occur with increasing frequency and intensity. The Capitoline Hill therefore intends to continue providing accessible spaces, while also enhancing collaboration between the administration, cultural institutions, retailers, and the Civil Protection Department.

Smeriglio: "Culture is welfare and well-being."

Massimiliano Smeriglio, Councillor for Culture and Coordination of Initiatives Related to Holocaust Remembrance Day , also spoke about the initiative , underlining that the request to extend the project had also come directly from citizens.

"We've been asked by residents to continue with the 'The Big Cold' initiative, which is also appreciated by non-residents passing through the city for a few days," Smeriglio explained, emphasizing that the extension was already the administration's intention.

A shelter from the heat that also becomes an opportunity for socializing

For the councilor, the project isn't just a practical solution to protect against high temperatures. Cultural spaces can also become tools to combat isolation and loneliness , especially among the most vulnerable.

"Culture is welfare, it's well-being, it's the way to break out of isolation," Smeriglio stated. This concept transforms cinemas, libraries, and cultural facilities into social as well as cultural centers, offering accessible spaces even to those temporarily in Rome who don't have other air-conditioned spaces in which to spend the hottest hours.

Culture and services to combat the effects of extreme heat

"The Big Chill" is thus part of the measures implemented in the capital to address the consequences of high temperatures. The initiative's unique feature lies in the use of existing cultural facilities in the area, temporarily transformed into climate-controlled shelters without sacrificing their original function.

The strong turnout recorded in the first few weeks highlights a real demand for air-conditioned and freely accessible spaces, especially during periods when temperatures make it more difficult to stay outdoors or inside inadequately refrigerated homes.

Schedules and programming on Rome Capital's official channels

The extension will remain in effect until August 14 , but days and times may vary depending on the individual venues. Roma Capitale therefore recommends checking for updates on library openings and new movie theater schedules before visiting.

The updated screening programme and information on participating venues are available through the institutional portal of Rome Capital and the official channels of the Libraries of Rome.