From the fusion of the College of Nobles and the Lalatta College, the Maria Luigia Boarding School was established in 1833, housed in the Palazzo dell’Arena, which the court architect Nicola Bettoli had renovated and expanded by building, between 1821 and 1829, a small theater still existing today. Access to the theater is via a monumental staircase and two doors opening onto a bright gallery. The hall has a rectangular floor plan with a continuous band balcony running along three sides at the level of the second tier, connecting to the proscenium frame adorned with elegantly carved brackets. On the polychrome ceiling, Giovanni Gaibazzi depicted the major arts among cherubs and garlands of flowers, while on the perimeter walls of the balcony, monochrome busts of famous musicians and poets are aligned within false niches. The original curtain, still on site and recently restored, is by Girolamo Magnani, set designer of the Teatro Regio, also the author of the only surviving scene, depicting a woodland. The original lattice structures, accessible by stairs located on the stage, also remain.
Information about the Theater of the National Boarding School Maria Luigia
Borgo Lalatta, 14,
43121 Parma (Parma)
Source: MIBACT
