Il Museo, dedicated to the famous poet, playwright and librettist from Arquata, is located in the premises of Via Sforza Caolzio just a few steps from Illica’s birthplace. It preserves the famous librettos of the poet, concerning operatic works, drama and theater. In addition to the literary production, the museum collects autograph letters, photographic materials, theatrical costumes, sketches, posters. The Museum has been enriched with numerous letters and correspondence materials with various contemporary figures, postcards and a “presumed poem” by Carducci related to the square of Castell’Arquato. The museum was established in 1964 following the purchase, by the Municipal Administration, of a substantial number of opera librettos by Luigi Illica (1857-1919). Initially set up in the Duke’s tower, it was then moved, in 1984, to the current seat of the Palazzo Pretorio. The collection reconstructs the figure of the noted librettist, who wrote for Giordano, Mascagni, Puccini. Having started a 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 Chènier for Giordano. Numerous photos portray 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 lyric artists who wore them. Among these, the soprano Rosetta Pampanini and the soprano Magda Olivero. Also noteworthy are the valuable portrait painted by P. Guberti and the author’s small typewriter. Many of the relics displayed here are owned by the Passerini Landi Library of Piacenza.
Information on Museo Luigi Illica
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
