Puppet Shows at Palazzo Pepoli | December 2025 and January 2026

At Palazzo Pepoli | Museum of the History of Bologna, you can immerse yourself in the fantastic world of puppets.

In the theatre specifically dedicated to them, the best of the classic repertoire of the Bolognese puppet tradition takes the stage: every month, different shows are presented, offering fun and a rediscovery of tradition.

To participate, tickets must be purchased online (more information at the bottom of the page).

Recommended audience and duration of the shows:
The Burattini a Bologna performances are recommended for children aged 4–5 and up, and are also suitable for adults.
All shows last approximately 45 minutes.

Show schedule:
The performances take place in the Puppet Theatre inside the museum.
Exceptions are the shows on 26 December 2025 and 6 January 2026, which will be held in the Sala della Cultura.

• Saturday 6 December 2025 – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  Balanzone’s Panettone
  What mischief do the puppets get up to during the Christmas holidays? Just ask Fagiolino and Sganapino, the two rascals always ready to play tricks on their friends. After an introduction of masks and characters passing through Bologna, the mysterious panettone makes its entrance.

• Sunday 7 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  Sganapino and the Tree of Fortune
  One day, an old beggar decides to reward the shepherd Sganapino for his many good deeds by giving him a powerful amulet that will allow him to marry the beautiful Princess Altea. Everything seems simple, but soon all sorts of evil forces arise, bringing forth a fearsome mysterious knight…

• Monday 8 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  Sganapino and the Tree of Fortune
  (Description as above)

• Saturday 13 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  Balanzone’s Panettone
  (Description as above)
  
  
• Sunday 14 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  The Land of Fresh Air
  How many places have we discovered thanks to the astonishing adventures of Fagiolino and Sganapino? This fun and engaging show allows us to visit a mythical foothill village where the air is so healthy that the inhabitants never fall ill. Everything seems fine until someone comes up with strange ideas…

• Saturday 20 December – 4:00 pm
  Balanzone’s Panettone
  (Description as above)
  
  
• Sunday 21 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  Sganapino Too Sweet
  What fun for Sganapino, now that he works in his brother’s chocolate factory! Agostino Squizzagnocchi Dolciumi has become a well-known brand in Bologna, and business is booming—until one day, or rather one night, Sganapino has a dream that changes everything. Will the company’s customers remain satisfied, or will Sganapino create nothing but chaos?

• Friday 26 December – 4:00 pm – Sala Cultura
  Sganapino’s Christmas Carol
  We are in mid-19th century Bologna, and Christmas is approaching. Everyone is getting ready to celebrate—everyone except one… Old Zoroboamo Succianespole, a wealthy but extremely miserly man who has always claimed Christmas is useless! Insensitive to the needs of those around him, including Fagiolino and Sganapino, Zoroboamo receives a mysterious visit on Christmas Eve that will change his life…
  A puppet-themed gift will be given to all children present!
  
  
• Saturday 27 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  A Walk Through the Museum with the Wooden Heads
  A show combined with an animated tour: a unique experience with the Master Puppeteer, who will guide you through the rooms of Palazzo Pepoli together with Sganapino and Doctor Balanzone, leading you to discover the puppets’ home—a magical place built to puppet scale.

• Sunday 28 December – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  A Walk Through the Museum with the Wooden Heads
  (Description as above)

• Saturday 3 January 2026 – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  A Walk Through the Museum with the Wooden Heads
  (Description as above)

• Sunday 4 January – 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm
  A Walk Through the Museum with the Wooden Heads
  (Description as above)

• Tuesday 6 January – 4:00 pm – Sala Cultura
  The Befana’s Flight
  Fagiolino and Sganapino, carefree by nature, are the heroes of puppet theatre, constantly fighting against injustice and their eternal hunger. Along the way, they will meet various characters—including, incredibly, the Befana herself. What mysterious adventures will the legendary old woman pull out of her stocking?
  A puppet-themed gift will be given to all children present!

Reservations, tickets and discounts:
To participate, online booking is required at the provided link.

• Full price: €10
• Reduced price: €8 (children up to 12 years old, people with disabilities, members of Burattini a Bologna, Card Cultura and Bologna Welcome Card holders)

The ticket includes:

• the puppet show
• entry to the Museum of the History of Bologna, where several rooms are dedicated to the art of Bolognese puppetry.

At the time of online booking, only a €3 deposit for museum entry will be charged. The remaining amount must be paid at the ticket office before the start of the show.