by InTrieste
On December 19, 2024, the Alfabeto Schmidl. 100 Years of the Theatrical Museum exhibition was unveiled in a press conference at Palazzo Gopcevich, marking the centenary of Trieste’s Civic Theatrical Museum “Carlo Schmidl.” The exhibition, which opens to the public at 5 p.m. on the same day, showcases a unique array of musical instruments, stage costumes, photographs, and manuscripts that trace the evolution of theatrical and musical culture over the past century.
Founded by the music publisher Carlo Schmidl, the museum’s collection was originally intended to preserve and share historical and musical artifacts with the public. Today, it continues to expand in the spirit of Schmidl’s vision, with items spanning from 18th-century operas to rare instruments from around the world.
Giorgio Rossi, Councillor for Cultural Policies and Tourism in Trieste, celebrated the city’s cultural sector as “a golden chain” of success. Rossi pointed to Trieste’s growing tourism, which saw a record 1.5 million visitors in 2024, and emphasized the municipality’s commitment to cultural tourism, which he described as a key element of the city’s identity.
The exhibition’s diverse offerings include works related to notable figures like mezzo-soprano Fedora Barbieri, composer Franco Faccio, and legendary director Giorgio Strehler. It also highlights rare items such as a Chinese lunar guitar and an early opera from the Teatro Verdi’s inaugural season.
“Culture is a daily improvement of human experience and an investment in our future,” said Rossi. He also revealed plans for significant investments in Trieste’s museums in 2025, including updates to the Revoltella, Sartorio, and De Henriquez Museums.
The Alfabeto Schmidl exhibition will be open to the public at Palazzo Gopcevich until May 4, 2025. Admission is free, and the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit www.museoschmidl.it.
