Il Scientific Theater of Mantua was built between 1767 and 1769 and designed by the Parmesan Antonio Galli Bibiena on commission from the rector of the Academy of the Timidi, Count Carlo Ottavio di Colloredo, primarily to host scientific gatherings, but also open to plays and concerts.
The Scientific Theater of Mantua, no longer tiered like the Renaissance theaters, features a bell-shaped floor plan and is arranged on several levels of wooden boxes, according to the type of structure invented in the seventeenth century and which had now become widespread.
The architect Bibiena completed the Scientific Theater in just two years: he conceived it, directed the construction works, and finally, with skill as a painter as well as an architect, personally frescoed the interiors of the numerous boxes with monochrome figures.
The classic facade was instead created by Giuseppe Piermarini, from whom the hall located on the first floor of the theater takes its name. The “scientific” theater was inaugurated on December 3, 1769, and on January 16, 1770, the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, just fourteen years old, held a memorable concert there. To this day, the Scientific Theater of Mantua is used to host musical events, concerts, and high-level conferences.
Opening Hours of the Scientific Theater of Mantua
from March 15 to November 15 Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM/1:00 PM – 3:00 PM/6:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM/6:00 PM
from November 16 to March 14 Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM/1:00 PM – 3:00 PM/6:00 PM
Where to find the Scientific Theater of Mantua
Via Accademia, 47 – 46100 Mantua – Tel. 0376.338648 Email: aldo.fiozzi@domino.comune.mantova.it
