Manifattura delle Arti covers an area of around 100thounsands sq and at present, it is one of the most important cultural centres in Europe in terms of size and for the activities offered by the structures that compose it: Cineteca del Comune di Bologna (film library and cinema), MAMbo (The Museum of Modern Art) and Salara (a former salt warehouse and now the headquarter of a gay association, “il Cassero”).

During the Renaissance, in this area the main social and economic activities used to take place. This was made possibile by the river that flew into the Cavaticcio Canal: several buildings were raised (mills, warehouses and shops) thus making this area the real key point of the city in economic and commercial terms.
During the 19th century, the main commercial activities were moved and the role of this area gradually changed. Its decline continued until the end of WWII when this district was totally abandoned.

Eventually, in 2003 the whole area was renovated thanks to the cooperation of the Municipality of Bologna and the University, through a project led by the architect Aldo Rossi. Manifattura delle Arti is now a place where artistic, cultural and social activities join again.