Provincia Barocca — Il gran teatro del mondo
The exhibition on scenography, from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters, at the Museo Diotti
About Il gran teatro del mondo
Casalmaggiore, homeland of the Baroque
The territory between the Oglio and Po rivers, around Casalmaggiore in the Province of Cremona, was the birthplace of some of the greatest set designers in the history of European theatre, most notably the Bibiena family. This awareness led to the creation of the project "Provincia Barocca. Arts in dialogue between Oglio and Po", which highlights the Baroque and Rococo expressions of the Casalmaggiore-Viadana territory in architecture, theatrical scenography, painting, and music.
Il gran teatro del mondo
The heart of the project is the exhibition "Il gran teatro del mondo", hosted at the Museo Diotti. The exhibition investigates the territory's role in defining modern theatrical space between the 16th and 18th centuries and its influence up to the 20th century: from the Bibiena family to contemporary set design masters, a journey that tells how a revolution in theatrical perspective began in this part of the Po Valley. The exhibition is curated by Valter Rosa.
The scientific conference
Alongside the exhibition, the project includes a scientific conference on 23 and 24 October 2026 at the Palazzo Abbaziale, with the participation of scholars from the Universities of Parma, Bologna, Insubria, the Polytechnic University, and the Superintendencies. The conference program is complemented by a vocal concert of Renaissance and Baroque repertoire on 24 October, in the Church of the Incoronata in Sabbioneta.
A project for the territory
"Provincia Barocca" is a bid by the Municipality of Casalmaggiore for the Lombardy Region's "Avviso Unico Cultura 2026" call for proposals. The initiative aims to enhance a widespread and little-known heritage, restoring to Casalmaggiore and the Oglio-Po region their leading role in the history of the arts of the Padan Baroque.
Il gran teatro del mondo — edition 2026
The inaugural edition of the "Provincia Barocca" project brings the exhibition "Il gran teatro del mondo" to the Museo Diotti, from 17 October 2026 to 10 January 2027, dedicated to theatrical scenography from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters, curated by Valter Rosa.
The program is completed by a scientific conference on 23 and 24 October 2026 at the Palazzo Abbaziale and a vocal concert of Renaissance and Baroque repertoire in Sabbioneta. As the project is a candidate for the Lombardy Region's "Cultura 2026" call for proposals, dates and program may be subject to change.
Programme Il gran teatro del mondo 2026
Exhibition "Il gran teatro del mondo" — Museo Diotti, from 17 October 2026 to 10 January 2027. A journey through theatrical scenography and the role of the Casalmaggiore-Viadana territory in defining modern theatrical space between the 16th and 18th centuries, up to the 20th century; from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters. Curated by Valter Rosa.
Scientific conference — 23-24 October 2026, Palazzo Abbaziale, with scholars from the Universities of Parma, Bologna, Insubria, the Polytechnic University, and the Superintendencies.
Concert — 24 October 2026, Church of the Incoronata in Sabbioneta, with Renaissance and Baroque vocal repertoire.
Note: the program is subject to the confirmation of funding from the Lombardy Region's "Cultura 2026" call for proposals.
Highlights Il gran teatro del mondo 2026
- Exhibition on scenography from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters at the Museo Diotti
- Scientific conference at the Palazzo Abbaziale (23-24 October)
- Concert of Renaissance and Baroque repertoire in Sabbioneta
Prices Il gran teatro del mondo 2026
Practical information — Il gran teatro del mondo
Where
Museo Diotti, Via Formis 17, Casalmaggiore (CR). Scientific conference at the Palazzo Abbaziale.
When
Exhibition: 17 October 2026 - 10 January 2027. Conference: 23-24 October 2026.
How to get there
Casalmaggiore is served by the Parma-Brescia railway line (Casalmaggiore station) and can be reached by car along the SP ex SS 343 Asolana.
Note
The project is a candidate for the Lombardy Region's "Cultura 2026" call for proposals: the program and dates may be subject to change depending on funding confirmation. It is advisable to check the official channels of the Museo Diotti.
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Where does it take place — Il gran teatro del mondo
Museo Diotti
Via Formis 17, 26041 Casalmaggiore