Il Scientific Theatre of Mantua was built between 1767 and 1769 and designed by the Parma native Antonio Galli Bibiena commissioned by the rector of the Academy of the Timidi, count Carlo Ottavio di Colloredo, with the purpose of mainly hosting scientific gatherings, but also open to plays and concerts.
The Scientific Theatre of Mantua, no longer tiered like the Renaissance ones, features a bell-shaped floor plan and is arranged over several levels of wooden boxes, according to the type of structure invented in the seventeenth century and which had now prevailed.
The architect Bibiena completed the Scientific Theatre in just two years: he designed it, directed the construction works and finally, with the skill of a painter as well as an architect, personally frescoed the interiors of the numerous boxes with monochrome figures.
The classic façade was instead created by Giuseppe Piermarini, from whom the hall on the first floor of the theatre takes its name. The “scientific” theatre 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 Theatre of Mantua is used to host musical festivals, concerts, and high-level conferences.
Opening Hours Scientific Theatre 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 is the Scientific Theatre of Mantua located
Via Accademia, 47 – 46100 Mantua – Tel. 0376.338648 Email: aldo.fiozzi@domino.comune.mantova.it
