Corso Italia, 16

History of the Maggio Musical Fiorentino

Florence’s Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, housed in the Teatro Comunale is the center of artistic and musical activity in Florence. Annually, it offers Florence the best and most famous operas, ballets and concerts, whilst during the summer, the Maggio Musical Fiorentino presents the Maggio Musicale Festival among Europe’s oldest and most famous music festivals.

The main  venue, Il Teatro Comunale, designed in 1862 by Telemaco Bonaiuti, is located over the original open arena in Florence. Now seating 2003 persons, the Teatro Comunale resembles in its structure the Politeama theatre over which it sits, with two large stalls sections and two wide semi-circular balconies. The Teatro Comunale has suffered damage twice; once in the 1944 bombing in Florence and second in the 1966 Arno River inundation, and has always been rebuild rapidly due to the loyal support of Florence’s citizens.

The Maggio Musical Festival began as a triennial summer festival in 1937, but because of its immense popularity quickly became an annual event. Its avant-gard and innovative styles in set and visual elements in opera and ballets have set the Maggio Musical Festival apart and have contributed to its success. The festival takes place in May and June and its program offers a wonderful variation of operas, ballets and concerts taking place in the main venues in some of the most beautiful venues in Florence: Il Teatro della Pergola, Teatro Verdi and the Boboli Gardens. IN addition, the Maggio Musical Fiorentino offers musical and cultural events throughout the year.