A century after the death of Eleonora Duse, one of the most celebrated actresses in theater history, Florence pays tribute to her legacy with a remarkable exhibition at Teatro della Pergola. The exhibition unveils, for the first time, a collection of personal items belonging to the legendary actress, carefully preserved by the Florentine Gemmi family for over a century.
The exhibition, titled “Partirò e porto le cose a casa – The Eleonora Duse Collection of the Gemmi Family,” offers an intimate glimpse into Duse’s life and artistic journey. Among the displayed artifacts are approximately a dozen scripts featuring her handwritten notes, a rare 1884 edition of Cavalleria Rusticana with a personal dedication from Giovanni Verga, and a series of photographs capturing her most iconic performances. Visitors will also find garments, personal belongings, a piano, and even a bed that once belonged to the actress.
The story behind this collection is as fascinating as the items themselves. Duse entrusted these possessions to a small, disused theater on Via Ghibellina, previously used by the Accademia dei Fidenti. From 1908, she used the space to rehearse for her final international tours before her sudden retirement in 1909. Luigi Gemmi, a banker connected to Duse through professional dealings, later transferred these items to his home, where they remained in the family’s care until today.
This exceptional exhibition, shedding light on the artistic and personal world of Eleonora Duse, will remain open until April 13. Visitors can explore it on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, as well as during performances, concerts, and guided tours at Teatro della Pergola.
For those passionate about theater history, this is an unmissable opportunity to connect with the legacy of one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Discover more from Florence Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.