Italy celebrates bicentenary of Carlo Collodi with Pinocchio events

Various Italian cities are hosting initiatives to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Carlo Collodi, the author of Pinocchio.

In Livorno, the Museo della Città is hosting the exhibition “Pinocchio. Le avventure visive di un burattino,” which explores the iconographic evolution of the character through paintings, sculptures, and works by artists such as Jacovitti and Roberto Innocenti. This exhibition is part of the broader “Carlo Lorenzini-Collodi 200” program. Visitors to the Livorno exhibit can receive discounts for the Pinocchio Park in Collodi by presenting exhibition materials.

Pontedera is also participating in the national celebrations with a month-long program of readings, games, and meetings throughout November. Activities are centered at the Giovanni Gronchi municipal library, including specialized reading sessions for children and events in Piazza Cavour to coincide with World Children’s Day. The program includes a presentation by Giovanni Capecchi, the mayor of Pistoia and a Collodi scholar, regarding his work on the author’s life.