Maya the Bee exhibition marks 50 years since TV debut in Desio

Villa Tittoni in Desio, near Monza, hosts 'L'Ape Maia. 50 anni in volo' from January 17 to February 8, 2026, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first TV adaptation of Waldemar Bonsels' 1912 novel. Curated by Luca Bertuzzi and Enrico Ercole, the show features original illustrations, magazines, and rare memorabilia from the Fondazione Franco Fossati, WOW Spazio Fumetto, and DeAPlaneta Entertainment. The exhibition traces the character's journey from literary origins to global animated success, highlighting its ecological themes and pop icon status. The anime debuted in Japan in 1975 and arrived in Italy in 1980, with its theme song by Katia Svizzero topping charts. The show includes the original 45 rpm record and periodicals like Topolino and TV Sorrisi e Canzoni. Culture councillor Giorgio Gerosa emphasized the ecological message. Gianluca Ferrara of DeAPlaneta noted the character's cross-generational appeal. Villa Tittoni was designed by Giuseppe Piermarini.