Popsophia – Festival della Filosofia del Contemporaneo
The festival that mixes philosophy and pop culture in the heart of Pesaro
About Popsophia
A festival that does philosophy with pop culture
Popsophia is the festival of contemporary philosophy that enlivens the summer in Pesaro, in the heart of the Marche region, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino. Its formula is unmistakable: take the great themes of philosophical thought and make them dialogue with singer-songwriter music, cinema, television, social networks, and the pop imagery that surrounds us. The result is an accessible and brilliant language, capable of speaking to a wide audience without sacrificing depth.
The philoshow, a trademark
The heart of the event is the philoshow: an original show where philosophical reflection intertwines with live music performed by the ensemble Factory, directed by Riccardo Minnucci. Philosophers, writers, and journalists take turns on stage, making Popsophia one of the most recognizable cultural events on the Italian scene year after year. The artistic direction is entrusted to Lucrezia Ercoli, creator and soul of the festival.
The festival venues in Pesaro
The events take place in the symbolic locations of Pesaro's historic center: Piazza del Popolo, the Centro Arti Visive Pescheria, and the Cortile di Palazzo Gradari. These spaces become, for a few evenings, an open-air agora where philosophical debate leaves the lecture halls and becomes a collective experience.
The 2026 edition: 'Narcissus's Mirror'
From July 2 to 5, 2026, Popsophia focuses on the myth of Narcissus to investigate the contemporary obsession with self-image: selfies, social networks, digital identities, and influencer culture. Four days to reflect on the relationship between authenticity and self-representation in the age of screens. Among the announced guests are Leo Turrini, Ilaria Gaspari, Simone Regazzoni, and Licia Troisi.
Why it's worth it
Popsophia is proof that philosophy can be popular without being trivial. For visitors to Pesaro in the summer, it's an opportunity to experience the city in an unusual way, amidst music, thought, and a curious and engaged audience. And with free admission to all shows, it's an event truly for everyone.
Popsophia — edition 2026
For 2026, Popsophia chooses the myth of Narcissus as a lens through which to view the present: the obsession with self-image, digital identity, and social media culture. The festival takes place in Pesaro from July 2 to 5 in the usual venues of the historic center, with artistic direction by Lucrezia Ercoli, live music by the ensemble Factory, and direction by Riccardo Minnucci. Admission to all shows is free.
Programme Popsophia 2026
2026 Theme — 'Narcissus's Mirror'
Four days of philoshows combining live music (ensemble Factory) and philosophical reflection, dedicated to the contemporary obsession with self-image.
Friday, July 3
- Ancora tu – Lucio Battisti and the mirror of emotions, with journalist Leo Turrini. A tribute to the figure of Battisti, the artist who chose to withdraw from public exposure, to reflect on the relationship between image, celebrity, and interiority.
Saturday, July 4
- Non gioco più – Philosophy of Mina, with philosopher Ilaria Gaspari. The show recounts the myth of Mina, the singer who decided to escape the dictatorship of image, disappeared from video, and, like the nymph Echo, became only a voice.
Sunday, July 5
- Forever young – Adolescents in the Mirror, curated by philosopher Simone Regazzoni and writer Licia Troisi. A journey into the adolescence of digital natives, immersed in screens and the search for online validation.
Venues
Piazza del Popolo, Centro Arti Visive Pescheria, and Cortile di Palazzo Gradari.
Highlights Popsophia 2026
Prices Popsophia 2026
Practical information — Popsophia
How to get there
Pesaro is served by the Adriatic railway line Bologna–Lecce: the station is a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car, it can be reached from the A14 motorway (Pesaro-Urbino exit). The nearest airport is Rimini-Miramare, followed by Ancona-Falconara and Bologna.
Venues
The events are held in Piazza del Popolo, at the Centro Arti Visive Pescheria, and in the Cortile di Palazzo Gradari, all in the historic center and reachable on foot.
Admission
Admission to all events is free. It is advisable to arrive early for the most popular evening shows.
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Where does it take place — Popsophia
Piazza del Popolo, Centro Arti Visive Pescheria, Cortile di Palazzo Gradari
Piazza del Popolo, 61121 Pesaro