In the track Il tema, from the album L’isola non trovata (1970), Francesco Guccini gives voice to the central theme that runs through much of his work: that of time. An extremely coherent universe where words and storytelling – be it songs, short stories, novels or even just casual conversation – play a central role. Words that seem to be the only anchor capable of giving meaning to the passing of time, to life which, in the fleeting transience of the present, must inevitably look back in order to understand and fulfil itself. Guccini’s voice metaphorically takes the visitor by the hand and guides them through the rooms in an exhibition that brings words, songs and the voice of the ‘Maestrone’ – with its unmistakable timbre – to the fore. The materials provided by the author, many of which have never been exhibited before, help to create a narrative structured like a concept album centred on remembrance, memory and time, understood existentially as the flow of life.

The exhibition unfolds across the four floors of Spazio Gerra and explores nine thematic groups through nine songs, combining archival materials (photographs, original objects, reproductions) with new works by illustrators and photographers. These creations connect with the themes and lyrics of the songs, creating a journey that draws on Guccini’s main sources of inspiration: illustration, popular culture, literature, history and his roots.

The exhibition features illustrations by Simona Costanzo, Arianna Lerussi, Maurizio Mantovi, Veronica Ruffato, Silvano Scolari and Gianmario Taurisano, as well as two new photographic projects: Pavana e ricordi by Paolo Simonazzi, which explores the symbolic locations of Guccini’s world between Bologna and the Apennines, creating a visual map composed of landscapes, objects and details linked to popular culture and memory; and Zeitraum by Kai-Uwe Schulte-Bunert, which represents time and memory through images of falling components from old clocks, evoking the fragmentary nature of memory.

The entire project aims to convey the complexity of Guccini’s persona and his creative universe, going beyond the musical dimension to explore the cultural and intellectual richness of his work.

Set off for a weekend in Reggio Emilia, the City of the Tricolour, easily reachable by train, and let yourself be immersed in art, flavors, and springtime atmospheres. From April 30 to June 14, 2026, a stay designed for those who want to discover the city during the 21st edition of the Fotografia Europea festival.

2-NIGHT OPTION. Experience the adrenaline of the Olympics while breathing in the history of the Tricolour Flag. Stay in Reggio Emilia and reach the Olympic competitions in a short time thanks to the High-Speed Railway Station. Let yourself be pampered by the hospitality of Reggio Emilia and its authentic flavours in a dream weekend!

Welcome to Reggio Emilia - Something Different! A city to experience slowly and with curiosity.

With the Reggio Emilia Welcome vouchers, you are not just donating an experience, but a true invitation to discover the heart and soul of an authentic city still built for people, rich in history, tradition, and unique flavours.

Each voucher is an invitation to stroll along the ancient Via Emilia, through historic buildings and squares, to discover art and nature, or to immerse yourself in the flavours and aromas of the local food and wine scene. Whether it is a guided tour to explore the history of the "City of the Tricolour Flag" or a visit to a local production facility to learn more about the area’s DOP and DOC products, the voucher allows you to gift a special moment to every visitor.

• Discover the list of experiences:

- Gift Voucher – Reggio Emilia Welcome: a flexible gift voucher, perfect for those who want to allow the recipient to choose freely from all available experiences or request a customized one. The voucher may also be used for an overnight stay.
- Guided tour of Reggio Emilia (private): a personalized itinerary with a tour guide to discover the historic centre of the City of the Tricolour Flag.
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia DOP: a sensory journey to a local vinegar producer to taste this precious elixir and learn about its history.
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar DOP & Lambrusco DOC: a combined experience with a visit and tasting at a vinegar producer and a local winery to explore the artisanal mastery starting with one common element: the grape.
- Parmigiano Reggiano DOP: a visit and tasting at a local dairy farm to discover how one of the world’s most famous and high-quality cheeses is made.
- Excursion on the Via Matildica del Volto Santo: A day immersed in nature and history, following the footsteps of Matilda of Canossa, the great Countess of the Middle Ages, accompanied by an environmental hiking guide.

HOW IT WORKS

For the gift giver: choose the voucher you prefer and purchase it directly at the Emilia Romagna Welcome website. For additional information, contact the Reggio Emilia Welcome office - IAT/R (Tourist Information and Welcome Office).

For the recipient: Choose the date* you wish to use your voucher and contact the Reggio Emilia Welcome Office - IAT/R (Tourist Information and Welcome Office). Our team will explain all the available options based on the chosen day, helping you find the experience that best suits you. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy Reggio Emilia!

*Voucher validity: one year from the date of purchase.

INFORMATION & VOUCHER purchase

Purchase at the Emilia-Romagna Welcome website with a credit card.
After payment, you will be contacted by e-mail to receive the personalized digital gift voucher with the name of the giver and the recipient.

CONTACTS

 

Reggio Emilia Welcome – IAT/R (Tourist Information and Welcome Office)
Via Farini, 1/A, 42121 Reggio Emilia

Opening times:

From March 1 to October 31
Monday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

From November 1 to February 28
Monday closed
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Early closing at 4:00 PM: January 6, Easter, Easter Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, November 24, December 8.

Closed: November 1, December 25-26, January 1.

+39 0522 451152
iat@comune.re.it
+39 331 2541123 (written messages only)

A journey through history and food and wine in the historic centre.

A journey through history and food and wine in the historic center

INFORMATION

https://www.facebook.com/la.signora.del.crostolo

The charming figure embellishes and looks after, every day, a corner of the so-called Passeggiata del Crostolo in Puianello.
She does this through her own artistic creations, flowers, construction of small wooden objects, making available markers, nuts for squirrels, books, notebooks for writing or drawing, leaving gifts for children in exchange for a kind thought, and more.
Awarded by the president of the City Council and the municipality of Quattro Castella, la Signora del Crostolo keeps anonymity to highlight even more the altruistic attitude that has led her to create this project.
Her work, purely voluntary, has not gone unnoticed to adults and children who frequent the area, enough to become popular on social medias.

DIRECTIONS

SS63 Reggio Emilia - Puianello
At the roundabout of Puianello, follow directions to Albinea but go straight down to the Bridge of Puianello.
You will find yourself on the cycle path that runs along the stream Crostolo.
Take direction Reggio Emilia and after 100 meters you will be at the Signora del Crostolo.

Address and contacts

Piazzale Mons. Oscar Romero 1/O
La Polveriera

La Polveriera

La Polveriera is an active laboratory of social culture that transmits and produces beauty, thanks to the commitment of the people involved. What matters here is respect for the quality of life to make time spent together precious.

The project was born from the dream of creating a place for urban regeneration and redevelopment of cultural heritage. Ethics, innovation and development coexist under one roof.

It is a place that speaks to the city. The goal is to involve the community not only by offering services but by investing in the future every day.

La Polveriera was born thanks to the support and strength of the Consortium Oscar Romero and the following social cooperatives: Coress - Il Piccolo Principe, L'Ovile, Elfo, Dimora d'Abramo, Anemos, Nuovo Raccolto, along with other companies, associations and local bodies.

La Polveriera is a space for everyone.