Teatro Civico Milanollo

The Milanollo Civic Theatre in Savigliano is a neoclassical playhouse opened in 1836. It takes its name from the violinists Teresa and Maria Milanollo, born in the town, and preserves its Italian-style auditorium and painted decoration.

Why it matters

The theatre reflects Savigliano's nineteenth-century cultural ambitions and the civic role of its performing arts. A citizens' society commissioned the building, and after municipal ownership began in 1864 it became associated with the Milanollo sisters, whose performances brought international recognition.

What to notice

The façade combines a central block with two side wings and statues representing Comedy and Tragedy. Inside, two tiers of boxes and a gallery surround the hall. The ridotto has a musicians' loggia, and the painted ceiling and curtain by Pietro Ayres depict Apollo and the Muses on Mount Parnassus.

Context and history

Architect Maurizio Eula designed the theatre in 1834, and it opened on 10 April 1836 with Donizetti's L'esule di Roma. It passed to the municipality in 1864 and was named for Teresa and Maria Milanollo. The building underwent renovations in the nineteenth century, a modernisation in 1928 and further work in the 1960s. After periods of closure, it reopened in 2011 following restoration.