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Teatro San Filippo Reopens in L'Aquila After 17-Year Closure Following 2009 Earthquake

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-20

On April 17, 2026, the Teatro San Filippo in L'Aquila welcomed visitors once again following a restoration project that received €2,405,000 from state funding and €1,190,616 from private contributions. After being closed for 17 years due to the 2009 earthquake, the reopening was marked by celebrations led by Mayor Pierluigi Biondi and Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. Initially constructed as the Church of San Filippo Neri in the 17th century, the building became operational in 1651 and transitioned to a theater in 1987. The restoration involved various cultural organizations and included an additional €400,000 from the local municipality. This reopening aligns with L'Aquila being named the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture, with events scheduled until April 19, 2026.

Key facts

  • Teatro San Filippo reopened on April 17, 2026, after 17 years of closure.
  • The 2009 earthquake severely damaged the theater, rendering it unusable.
  • Restoration costs totaled €2,405,000 in state funds and €1,190,616 from private donations.
  • The building originated as the Church of San Filippo Neri, constructed starting in 1637.
  • The Baroque structure was damaged by the 1703 earthquake and later restored.
  • Artist Gino Marotta used the space as an atelier in the 1970s.
  • L’Uovo – Teatro Stabile di innovazione managed the theater from 1986 to 2009.
  • L'Aquila is the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture.

Entities

Artists

  • Gino Marotta
  • Antonio Massena
  • Maria Cristina Giambruno
  • Totò Centofanti
  • Caterina Caselli
  • Mauro Pagani
  • Giuliano Sangiorgi
  • Lorenzo Jovanotti
  • Livia Montagnoli

Institutions

  • Teatro San Filippo
  • Ministero della Cultura
  • Segretariato regionale del Ministero della Cultura per l’Abruzzo
  • Soprintendenza
  • Prefettura
  • Fondo Edifici di Culto
  • Comune dell'Aquila
  • L’Uovo – Teatro Stabile di innovazione
  • Sugar Music
  • Macù Edizioni
  • Artisti Uniti per l’Abruzzo
  • Accademia di Belle Arti
  • Artribune

Locations

  • L'Aquila
  • Italy
  • Abruzzo
  • Teramo

Sources