Dialoghi di Pistoia

A festival to understand contemporary humanity

The Dialoghi di Pistoia is one of Tuscany's most beloved cultural festivals and an unmissable event for those who value thought, knowledge, and dialogue. Established in 2010 under the name Pistoia - Dialoghi sull'uomo, the festival has cemented its reputation over the years as Italy's leading event dedicated to contemporary anthropology: a passionate and accessible investigation into who we are, how we live, and how we change. Conceived and directed from the outset by Giulia Cogoli, it is promoted by the Fondazione Caript and the Municipality of Pistoia, with the support of the Province of Pistoia, the Tuscany Region, and the Ministry of Culture.

Three days of reflection in the historic center

Every year in late May, the entire historic center of Pistoia becomes the festival's stage for three days. Meetings take place in some of the city's most evocative venues: Piazza del Duomo, the beating heart of the event, the Teatro Bolognini, the Lux cinema, the Cattedrale ex Breda, the Polo Culturale Puccini Gatteschi, and the Civic Museums, complemented by guided walks to discover the city. A large and enthusiastic audience fills the squares from early afternoon to listen to leading voices in Italian and international culture.

A different theme for every edition

The strength of the Dialoghi lies in its format: each edition addresses a major theme of the human condition, explored from various angles. Over the years, topics have included our relationship with nature, identity, time, happiness, and inhabiting the planet. Philosophers, anthropologists, scientists, writers, journalists, and artists take turns in lectures, masterclasses, dialogues, theatrical and musical performances, readings, and screenings, in a program featuring dozens of events spread over three days.

The International Award

Among the most anticipated moments is the presentation of the Dialoghi di Pistoia International Award, granted annually to a prominent figure in contemporary thought. Over the years, the recognition has celebrated world-renowned intellectuals, writers, and scholars, confirming the international vocation of an event that remains deeply rooted in its home city.

Space for the little ones

The Dialoghi is not just for adults: the festival reserves a large section for children and teenagers, with art workshops, ateliers, storytelling, and guided tours tailored to different age groups. This choice makes the Dialoghi di Pistoia an event for the whole family and a model of cultural outreach capable of speaking to different generations.

Pistoia, city of culture

The capital of the Tuscan province of the same name, nestled at the foot of the Apennines and just a few kilometers from Florence, Pistoia is a city of refined art and human scale. Already named Italian Capital of Culture in 2017, it finds its flagship event in the Dialoghi, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and transforms the historic center into an open-air classroom.