Provincia Barocca — The Great Theatre of the World
The exhibition on scenography, from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters, at the Diotti Museum
About The Great Theatre of the World
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 European theatre history, most notably the Bibiena family. This awareness gave rise to the project "Provincia Barocca. Arts in dialogue between Oglio and Po", which highlights the Baroque and Rococo expressions of the Casalmaggiore-Viadana area in architecture, theatrical scenography, painting, and music.
The Great Theatre of the World
The heart of the project is the exhibition "Il gran teatro del mondo", hosted at the Diotti Museum. 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 October 23 and 24, 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 October 24, 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 "Avviso Unico Cultura 2026" call for proposals by the Lombardy Region. The initiative aims to enhance a widespread and little-known heritage, restoring to Casalmaggiore and the Oglio-Po area their role as protagonists in the history of Baroque art in the Po Valley.
The Great Theatre of the World — edition 2026
The inaugural edition of the "Provincia Barocca" project brings the exhibition "Il gran teatro del mondo" to the Diotti Museum, from October 17, 2026, to January 10, 2027, dedicated to theatrical scenography from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters, curated by Valter Rosa.
The program is complemented by a scientific conference on October 23 and 24, 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 The Great Theatre of the World 2026
Exhibition "Il gran teatro del mondo" — Diotti Museum, from October 17, 2026, to January 10, 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 — October 23-24, 2026, Palazzo Abbaziale, with scholars from the Universities of Parma, Bologna, Insubria, the Polytechnic University, and the Superintendencies.
Concert — October 24, 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 The Great Theatre of the World 2026
- Exhibition on scenography from the Bibiena family to contemporary masters at the Diotti Museum
- Scientific conference at the Palazzo Abbaziale (October 23-24)
- Renaissance and Baroque repertoire concert in Sabbioneta
Prices The Great Theatre of the World 2026
Practical information — The Great Theatre of the World
Where
Diotti Museum, Via Formis 17, Casalmaggiore (CR). Scientific conference at the Palazzo Abbaziale.
When
Exhibition: October 17, 2026 - January 10, 2027. Conference: October 23-24, 2026.
How to get there
Casalmaggiore is served by the Parma-Brescia railway line (Casalmaggiore station) and can be reached by car along the former SS 343 Asolana provincial road.
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 Diotti Museum.
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Where does it take place — The Great Theatre of the World
Museo Diotti
Via Formis 17, 26041 Casalmaggiore