Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine

Inaugurated in 1997, the municipal theatre is named for Renaissance artist Giovanni da Udine.

Why it matters

The Teatro Nuovo expanded the scale of Udine's theatrical productions. It is owned by the Comune di Udine and run by the Fondazione Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine, whose participating bodies are the municipality and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Its educational activities include programmes for schools, a children's company and workshops.

What to notice

The Sala Grande has 1,202 seats across the stalls and three galleries, with a stage designed for opera sets and large-scale theatre. The building also contains a rehearsal room, foyers, a dance studio and dressing rooms.

Context and history

The house took the name of Giovanni da Udine, the Friulian painter and architect who worked with Raphael — the same figure after whom the city's Renaissance season is remembered, and whose work surfaces again at the castle. The municipal theatre opened in 1997. Its foundation has presented seasons of prose, music, dance, opera and operetta. Over the decades the house has also served as conference and convention venue, its foyers and press room absorbing civic events between premieres. The former Province of Udine was a founding participant in the foundation until 21 September 2018, after which ownership and support rest with the municipality and the region.