Premio Nazionale Gentile da Fabriano
The recognition of Italian excellence that has enlivened Fabriano for thirty years
About Premio Gentile da Fabriano
A prize for excellence in the heart of the Marche
The Premio Nazionale Gentile da Fabriano is one of the most prestigious cultural events in the city of Fabriano, in the province of Ancona, in the heart of the Marche region. Every year, in autumn, the award attracts leading figures from Italian culture, science, economy, and civil society to the city of paper, recognized for their contribution to merit and value.
History and founders
The award was established in 1997 thanks to the insight of Senator and Professor Carlo Bo, former rector of the University of Urbino, together with Professor Galliano Crinella. Since then, the event has established itself as a benchmark in the national cultural landscape, successfully linking the name of Fabriano with that of the great late Gothic painter Gentile da Fabriano, a symbol of the city's artistic identity.
The award categories
The award traditionally consists of several thematic categories, which over the years have recognized highly distinguished figures:
- Lives of Italians
- Economy, work, and innovation
- Mario Giacomelli, dedicated to contemporary photography
- Science, health, and environment
- Carlo Bo, dedicated to culture and communication
In addition, special Jury prizes are awarded from time to time to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their civil and human commitment.
The thirtieth anniversary in 2026
In 2026, the Premio Gentile da Fabriano reaches its XXX edition: thirty years of history celebrated with a theme dedicated to the transformations of our time, "The New Frontiers of the Human". The ceremony takes place at the Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano, in the presence of the jury, authorities, and a large audience.
An event for the city
In addition to the awards ceremony, the thirtieth-anniversary edition is accompanied by a rich program of collateral events, including screenings, exhibitions, and meetings involving the Municipality of Fabriano and the Associazione Gentile Premio. It is an opportunity to rediscover a city that, thanks to its paper-making tradition recognized by UNESCO, has linked its name to culture and knowledge for centuries.
Premio Gentile da Fabriano — edition 2026
The thirtieth anniversary of the Premio Gentile
The 2026 edition marks thirty years of the Premio Nazionale Gentile da Fabriano, since its founding in 1997. The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at the Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano. The theme chosen for the thirtieth anniversary is "The New Frontiers of the Human", dedicated to understanding the major changes of our time.
The award jury is chaired by Professor Giorgio Calcagnini, Rector of the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, while the ceremony will be hosted by Tg1 journalist Giorgia Cardinaletti. The event enjoys the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Marche Region, the Municipality of Fabriano, and the Unione Montana Esino-Frassasi.
Programme Premio Gentile da Fabriano 2026
The detailed program of the ceremony and the list of awardees for the XXX edition will be announced by the Associazione Gentile Premio in the weeks preceding the event.
The path towards the thirtieth anniversary is marked by confirmed collateral initiatives:
- February 26, 2026, 9 PM — Cinema Montini: screening of the video "Thirty Years of Excellence and Merit" dedicated to the awardees from 1997 to 2015 (editions I-XIX), curated by Galliano Crinella.
- March 5, 2026, 9 PM — Cinema Montini: second video dedicated to the awardees from 2016 to 2025 (editions XX-XXIX).
- "Passaggi" Exhibition — in the exhibition spaces of Zona Conce, featuring photographic works by Mario Giacomelli and graphic works by Simone Massi, curated by Gianluigi Colin and Galliano Crinella.
- Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:30 AM — Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano: thirtieth-anniversary awards ceremony.
Highlights Premio Gentile da Fabriano 2026
- XXX Edition: the thirtieth-anniversary milestone (1997-2026).
- Theme: "The New Frontiers of the Human."
- Jury chaired by the Rector of the University of Urbino, Giorgio Calcagnini.
- Hosted by Giorgia Cardinaletti (Tg1).
- "Passaggi" exhibition featuring Mario Giacomelli and Simone Massi at Zona Conce.
Prices Premio Gentile da Fabriano 2026
Practical information — Premio Gentile da Fabriano
Where
The ceremony takes place at the Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano, located at Via Gentile da Fabriano 1, in the historic center of Fabriano (AN).
How to get there
By car: take the Fabriano exit from the SS 76 Ancona–Rome highway. By train: Fabriano station is served by the Rome–Ancona line; the theatre is within walking distance of the center. By plane: Ancona-Falconara airport is approximately 60 km away.
Admission
Admission to the awards ceremony is free on a first-come, first-served basis. For collateral events (screenings, exhibitions), please consult the official award website.
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Where does it take place — Premio Gentile da Fabriano
Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano
Via Gentile da Fabriano 1, 60044 Fabriano