Puppet shows at Palazzo Pepoli | November

At Palazzo Pepoli | Museum of the History of Bologna, dive into the enchanting world of puppets!

In the theatre space specially set up, audiences can enjoy the best of the classic puppet repertoire from the Bolognese tradition. Every month features a different lineup of shows, combining fun with the rediscovery of a treasured cultural heritage.

“Puppets in Bologna” is a theatrical series recommended for children aged 4–5 and up, and enjoyable for adults as well. Each performance lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The Performances

• Saturday, November 1 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM (approx. 45 mins)
  Testacce di legno (Wooden Blockheads)
  Get ready for hilarious adventures! The stars are the classic Bolognese puppets Fagiolino and Sganapino, inseparable friends who, always broke and naturally carefree, come up with clever tricks to quiet their hunger… An unmissable show full of laughs, rooted in the ancient Bolognese puppetry tradition.
  
  
• Sunday, November 2 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  La Strega Morgana (The Witch Morgana)
  Loosely based on the historic Bolognese puppet repertoire. Preparations are underway for the wedding of Prince Alberto and young Princess Bianca, but a wicked witch arrives to ruin their happy plans. Ministers Balanzone and Pantalone are in dismay! With the help of Wizard Merlin, it’s up to our hero Fagiolino to confront the evil Morgana.
  
  
• Saturday, November 8 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Testacce di legno (Wooden Blockheads)
  Get ready for hilarious adventures! The stars are the classic Bolognese puppets Fagiolino and Sganapino, inseparable friends who, always broke and naturally carefree, come up with clever tricks to quiet their hunger… An unmissable show full of laughs, rooted in the ancient Bolognese puppetry tradition.
  
  
• Sunday, November 9 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Le creanze romane (Roman Manners)
  A classic and much-loved Bolognese puppet story in which local characters meet the traditional Roman masks—set during the historical period when Bologna was ruled by the Papal States. A hilarious plot full of twists and surprises.
  
  
• Saturday, November 15 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Testacce di legno (Wooden Blockheads)
  Get ready for hilarious adventures! The stars are the classic Bolognese puppets Fagiolino and Sganapino, inseparable friends who, always broke and naturally carefree, come up with clever tricks to quiet their hunger… An unmissable show full of laughs, rooted in the ancient Bolognese puppetry tradition.
  
  
• Sunday, November 16 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Sganapino brigante (Sganapino the Outlaw)
  We all know Sganapino is poor, but he’s grown tired of a world where only the ruthless get ahead. One day, he runs away from Fagiolino and his old companions with the crazy idea of becoming a notorious outlaw!
  
  
• Saturday, November 22 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Testacce di legno (Wooden Blockheads)
  Get ready for hilarious adventures! The stars are the classic Bolognese puppets Fagiolino and Sganapino, inseparable friends who, always broke and naturally carefree, come up with clever tricks to quiet their hunger… An unmissable show full of laughs, rooted in the ancient Bolognese puppetry tradition.
  
  
• Sunday, November 23 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Lo studente innamorato (The Lovestruck Student)
  Aurelio, the son of Doctor Balanzone, is in love with Bianca, daughter of the King of Castile. Knowing he has no chance of marrying her, he falls into despair. His father, worried, confides in the servants Fagiolino and Sganapino, who encourage him to ask the King for his daughter’s hand on Aurelio’s behalf. That’s when the trouble starts—Emperor Charles V is horrified at the idea of marrying off his daughter to a mere student!
  
  
• Saturday, November 29 – 4:00 PM | 5:45 PM
  Testacce di legno (Wooden Blockheads)
  Get ready for hilarious adventures! The stars are the classic Bolognese puppets Fagiolino and Sganapino, inseparable friends who, always broke and naturally carefree, come up with clever tricks to quiet their hunger… An unmissable show full of laughs, rooted in the ancient Bolognese puppetry tradition.
  
  
• Sunday, November 30 – 4:00 PM
  Fata Smemorina (Forgetful Fairy)
  Special event in the Sala della Cultura
  Sganapino embarks once again on a grand journey — but he can only succeed if he's accompanied by his young friends in the audience. Guiding him is Smemorina, a funny fairy who’s part wise, part scatterbrained! Together, they’ll get into all sorts of mischief and face many unexpected challenges along the way…

Included in the ticket:

• Puppet show admission

• Entry to the Museum of the History of Bologna, where some rooms are dedicated to the art of Bolognese puppetry.

At the time of online booking, only a €3 deposit is required (covers museum entry). The remaining balance will be paid at the ticket office before the show.
All shows are performed in Italian.