The Museum, dedicated to the famous poet, playwright, and librettist from Arquata, is located in the premises on Via Sforza Caolzio, just a few steps from Illica’s birthplace. It preserves the poet’s famous librettos regarding operatic works, dramaturgy, and theater. In addition to the literary production, the museum collects autograph letters, photographic materials, theatrical costumes, sketches, and posters. The Museum has been enriched with numerous letters and correspondence materials with various characters of the time, postcards, and a “presumed poem” by Carducci relating to the square of Castell’Arquato. The museum was established in 1964 following the purchase, by the Municipal Administration, of a significant number of Luigi Illica’s opera librettos (1857-1919). Initially arranged in the Duke’s tower, it was then moved, in 1984, to the current seat at Palazzo Pretorio. The collection reconstructs the figure of the famous librettist, who wrote for Giordano, Mascagni, Puccini. Having started the very successful collaboration with Giuseppe Giacosa, he composed the librettos for Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly for Puccini; Iris, Le maschere, and Isabeau for Mascagni; Andrea Chénier for Giordano. Numerous photos depict Illica and the main interpreters of his works. Among the relics kept here, several costumes worn in the most famous performances of Illica’s works stand out, donated by the great lyrical artists who wore them. Among these are the soprano Rosetta Pampanini and the soprano Magda Olivero. Also noteworthy are the valuable portrait executed by P. Guberti and the small typewriter of the writer. Many of the relics exhibited here belong to the Passerini Landi Library of Piacenza.
Information about Luigi Illica Museum
Via Sforza Caolzio, 49,
29014 Castell’Arquato (Piacenza)
0523 803215
info@castellarquato.net
iatcastellarquato@gmail.com (manager) for hours, prices, openings, practical information
Source: MIBACT
