Inside Tripoli’s Iconic Ampere Cinema

Opened in 2022 after being closed for 28 years, Ampere Cinema is a true marvel in Tripoli. Initially opened in 1932, the cinema stood strong amidst the bustling cultural scene of pre-war Tripoli. Today, it is a reminder of the potentials lost, and those that can still be revived.

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From decades of neglect to a vibrant cultural hub; witness Empire Cinema's inspiring transformation in the heart of Tripoli! 🎬🍿🎭

♬ Maktoub Aleina (Habibi Funk 018) – Hamid El Shaeri

Walking through the entrance of the Empire (Ampere? We’re not sure! Different people are saying different things) Cinema is like stepping into a time capsule. The restored cinema is a sight to behold, a thread that connects pre-war and post-war Lebanon. Actor and director Kassem Istanbouli has worked tirelessly alongside the Tiro Association for Arts to revive the theater scene in Lebanon by reopening abandoned theaters across the country. After successfully bringing the Rivoli Cinema in Tyre and Stars Cinema in Nabatieh back to life back in 2016 and 2018 respectively, he revived Tripoli’s Ampere in 2022.

Istanbouli was officially co-awarded this year’s UNESCO-Sharjah Prize For Arab Culture for his work in rehabilitating historical cinemas in Lebanon. His efforts to restore cinemas across Lebanon has been recognized by UNESCO, who hailed his and co-laureate Hajer Ben Boubaker’s “extraordinary contributions to promoting the arts and Arab culture and supporting their local communities.”

Next time you make the trip to Tripoli, check to see if you can catch a screening of a play or film at the iconic cinema, and if you can’t, don’t worry. You can live through Beirut.com’s TikTok, where you can explore all sorts of Lebanese landmarks and destinations right from the comfort of your couch. Did you hear about our recent visit to the Nabu Museum?