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museum exhibitions calendar_today Friday, June 12, 2026

The wonder of scenic art on display in Polesine. The master Paolino Libralato speaks

La meraviglia dell’arte scenografica va in mostra in Polesine. Parola al maestro Paolino Libralato

La Fondazione Aida has produced the exhibition "Fare scena" at Villa Badoèr in Fratta Polesine, honoring Paolino Libralato (born 1958 in Noale), one of Italy's most important set designers. Libralato has collaborated with prestigious international theaters and institutions such as La Scala in Milan, the New National Theatre in Tokyo, and the Opéra de Paris, as well as renowned directors and set designers including Bob Wilson, Beni Montresor, and Jérôme Savary. The exhibition pays tribute not only to the artist but also to the art of scenography. In an interview, Libralato discusses the fusion of art and technique in scenography, the importance of copying masters like Canaletto and Mantegna as a learning tool, and the ephemeral nature of stage sets, which are often destroyed after a performance.

This article matters because it highlights the often-overlooked craft of set design, positioning it as a legitimate and profound art form that blends technical skill with spiritual and creative expression. Libralato's reflections on copying as a path to deeper understanding and his critique of technology's impact on thoughtful creation offer valuable insights for both art students and professionals. The exhibition in Polesine brings regional attention to a master of a discipline that is inherently temporary, celebrating the beauty and labor behind theatrical magic.