ITALIA DEL MIRACOLO. Arte, design e pubblicità 1948-1968
27 marzo - 7 giugno 2026

All the works of the exhibition come from the Massimo and Sonia Cirulli Foundation, which curated it. This allows to immerse in an unique atmosphere: posters, photographs and planning drawings prove how during that moment the attention of design was able to support an enthusiasm for the future, allowing still today the perception of a sense of optimism and the desire of that style which made Italy famous and admired worldwide.

The exhibition recounts the "Italian miracle", typically national event which accompanied the reconstruction of the nation between the mid-1940s years and the early 1960s after the war transforming customs, habits and lifestyles. In a season of renovated optimism an inexorable planning happiness undergoes each field of life: world recognisable and recognised products were created, summary of tradition and innovation, destined to become symbols of Italian excellence.

The three thematic sections of the exhibition

The first is dedicated to the so-called "Pubblicità bambina" (children advertisement), an expression coined by Leonardo Sinisgalli. This brings to light the need to link the new products to encouraging and joyful images, able to distance the memory of poverty linked to the wartime tragedy.

The protagonists are some of the greatest names of Italian graphic design like Erberto Carboni, Bruno Munari, Marcello Nizzoli and Giovanni Pintori, with their talents redefine the advertising language.

The second section "L'Italia che si muove" (the acting Italy), recounts the discovery of leisure time and travel: the getaway from the city during the weekend, sea holiday, the dreams of mobility on a 500 and 600 car, on a Lambretta or Vespa. A dynamic and confident Italy, accompanied by innovative advertising campaigns like the one of Eni, designed by the artists Federico Seneca and Carlo Mollino.

The last part is dedicated to the textile factory, sector able to join artistic and handcrafted value with a look to the manufacturing production. Artists like Ettore Sottsass, Piero Dorazio and Franco Grignani contribute to the relaunch an industry which will become soon competitive at international level, strengthening the Italian aesthetic identity.

The catalogue is published by SILVANA EDITORIALE.

Price of the entrance ticket:
6 Euro for only the exhibition and the free tour of the Fortress
12 Euro for the tour of the entire monumental complex of the Ugo Da Como Foundation (Fortress and House of Podestà)