Casa Gianduja: Permanent Puppet Museum Opens in Turin
In December 2024, the Casa Gianduja, a dedicated puppet theater museum, was inaugurated in the Lingotto area of Turin, situated within a refurbished veterans' club. Positioned behind the MAUTO, it kicked off with the exhibition 'Marionette, Burattini e Ombre dalla Cina,' running from May 15 to September 15, 2025, which displays more than 200 items from the Fondazione Marionette Grilli ETS collection. This event sets the stage for a more extensive exhibition in October, reminiscent of a prior show at the MAO. The museum, named after the iconic Turin character Gianduja, is overseen by Marco Grilli, who earned the title of Best Puppeteer in Italy in 2010. The foundation boasts over 20,000 puppets, including a unique 18th-century puppet theater crafted by Giovanni Lauro, and includes a 90-seat venue for performances.
Key facts
- Casa Gianduja opened in December 2024 in Turin's Lingotto district.
- The museum is located behind the MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile.
- Exhibition 'Marionette, Burattini e Ombre dalla Cina' runs May 15 to September 15, 2025.
- Over 200 original pieces from the Fondazione Marionette Grilli ETS collection are on display.
- The foundation holds over 20,000 puppets collected by Mariarosa Scalero and Augusto Grilli.
- Compagnia Marionette Grilli was founded in 1978.
- Marco Grilli was awarded Best Puppeteer in Italy in 2010.
- The museum includes a 90-seat theater for puppet performances.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Grilli
- Mariarosa Scalero
- Augusto Grilli
- Giovanni Lauro
Institutions
- Casa Gianduja
- MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile
- Fondazione Marionette Grilli ETS
- Compagnia Marionette Grilli
- MAO – Museo d'Arte Orientale di Torino
- Museo della Marionetta Lupi
- Teatro Gianduja
- Artribune
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Lingotto
- Via Santa Teresa 5, Turin