The theatre Animosi, by the Lucca architect Giuseppe Pardini, is situated in the western part of the medieval and Renaissance town center, outside Porta a Mare, the gate to the sea.
The façade is an elegant example of classic inspired architecture based on a two storey pattern. The central body of the building, with upper portico in advance position, makes it resemble a temple pronaos supported by a podium of Apuane marble pillars. The upper storey has marble banisters decorated with flower garlands and windows with architraves. The wide porch opens onto the classic foyer with a double row of marble pillars and is embellished by plaster moulds of Music and Poetry by Carlo Cheli set in niches on both sides of the entrance and by bas-relief medallions portraying major Italian musicians and poets by Carlo Nicoli. From the foyer, the first floor corridor leads to two semicircular staircases onto the gallery.
The interior is enriched with finely-worked pure white Apuane marble used for details and ornaments (small columns, medallions, panels). The high cultural standard theatre, music and film programs of the Theatre Animosi have included performances by well-known artists such as, just to quote a few, Dario Fo, P. De Filippo, P. Borboni, C. Dapporto, P. Poli, G. Sbragia, G. Bosetti, F. Rame, G. Gaber, C. Pani, A. Proclemer, A. Fo#225.