Maria Melato

Maria Melato (1885-1950) was one of the greatest Italian actresses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a symbol of elegance, talent and a passion for the theatre.
From the very beginning, her connection with the city was deep: it was here that her artistic sensibility took shape, destined to conquer the most important stages in Italy and beyond.

Reggio Emilia is not only her birthplace but also the guardian of her memory.
The Biblioteca Panizzi (Panizzi Library) still houses the Maria Melato Collection, a precious treasure trove of scripts, photos and documents that recount the life and career of this extraordinary performer.

Strolling through the city, her name resurfaces amongst the streets and places of remembrance: a street named after her and a bronze bust, the work of artist Michele Vedani, located in the gardens of Parco del Popolo, bear witness to Reggio Emilia’s pride in this leading figure of the Italian theatre scene.