The Veneto is a land rich in cultural events, principally in its cities with their historic centres, piazze, monuments and museums, but also as a centre of important national and international events in the fields of music, cinema, theatre and contemporary art.
The greatest of these are still the world-famous trio of the opera season at the Arena in Verona, the Venice Film Festival, and the Venice Biennale International Contemporary Art Festival. In addition, however, the Palladian Teatro Olimpico at Vicenza and the Gran
Teatro La Fenice in Venice are two of the most cherished temples for theatregoers to worship at throughout the world.
Neither should the numerous secular institutions be forgotten such as the universities, libraries, academies and scientific foundations which through various initiatives promote the Veneto in all its aspects.
The Opera Festival at the Arena of Verona.
Site of gladiatorial combat and other shows according to ancient Roman custom, the Arena of Verona has hosted the most diverse range of spectacles. After its glorious past the true re-birth took place on the 10th August 1913, when, at the suggestion of the local tenor Giovanni Zenatello a performance of Verdi's Aida was staged. Thanks to this Verona has become of the world's greatest opera capitals, with a season stretching from June to September attracting a public from all over the globe.
The Venice Film Festival.
Was inaugurated on the 6th August 1932, and is thus today, after 75 years, the oldest film festival in the world. It takes place every year between August and September in the Palazzo del Cinema situated on the Guglielmo Marconi promenade on the Lido, gathering together the entire galaxy of stars competing for the prestigious Leone d'Oro (Golden Lions).
The Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art.
The international art exhibition of Venice first saw the light in 1895 thanks to the Mayor of Venice Riccardo Selvatico, who ordered the construction of the Italian Pavilion in the gardens of Castello. From 1910 international artists have been coming here, and the pavilions consequently multiplied, now almost covering all countries of the world. In 1948 the Biennale was re-launched with exhibits by Chagall, Klee, Magritte, and a retrospective presented by Guttuso. In 1980 the architecture section was launched in the space of the corderie in the Arsenale.