Overview
Started in 1767 and finished in 1769, the Bibiena Scientific Theatre was commissioned by Carlo Ottavio di Colloredo, the rector of the Accademia dei Timidi, to host mainly scientific gatherings but also performances and concerts. Its structure with a bell-shaped plan, markedly different from the tiered plan of Renaissance theatres, consists of several tiers of wooden boxes, inspired by the kind of structure introduced in the 17th century. Antonio Galli Bibiena, from Parma, completed the theatre in just two years, overseeing its design, construction management and finally, as a skilled painter and architect, personally frescoing the interiors of the boxes with monochrome figures. The façade on the outside, on the other hand, was designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, who gave his name to the hall on the first floor. The theatre was officially opened on 3 December 1769. On 16 January 1770, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, then aged 14, gave a memorable concert there. At present, the theatre hosts music festivals, concerts and conferences.
