Italy's New 'Museum of Play' in Gradara: "The Time of Play" at MARV

"The Time of Play" at MARV, Gradara: an exhibition on play culture

From 22 March to 7 June 2026 the MARV - Museo d’Arte Rubini Vesin in Gradara features "The Time of Play. Ludic Wonders from the Loris Betti Collection", an exhibition examining play as a cultural and social phenomenon through objects dating from the 18th century to the 1980s.

The display brings together rare and intriguing pieces arranged into thematic sections designed to engage visitors of all ages and to show how games reflect tastes, social roles and aspirations across two centuries.

Highlights of the exhibition

• Loris Betti Collection: a research-driven assemblage that traces the historical development of play in Europe.
• Educational role: a segment dedicated to the pedagogical function of play, including a Pinocchio showcase honoring the centenary of Carlo Collodi.
• Toys for girls: objects illustrating historical role models related to domestic care and marriage, useful for gender-history readings.
• Cross-cutting themes: travel, sports, advertising, cinema and precinema (with magic lanterns and toy projectors) and gambling boards reinterpreted as family board games.
• Hands-on area: a room equipped with reproductions of historical games for visitors to try.

Visitor experience and digital content

The exhibition integrates digital materials accessible via QR codes placed throughout the galleries, offering detailed entries, images and historical context for independent exploration via smartphone. The layout combines scientific research with accessible interpretation to appeal to both general audiences and school or specialist groups.

Organization and aims

The project is implemented by MARV in cooperation with Gradara Innova and promoted by the Municipality of Gradara. Scientific curators are Sara Benvenuti and Francesca Volpini, with coordination by Luca Baroni. The exhibition reinforces the museum’s continuous research into play; from 2026 the institution will also operate under the brand "MARV Museo del Gioco" to strengthen Gradara’s role as an international hub for study and promotion of play.

Educational visits and didactic programs are available for all school levels, and special activities for team building are offered for adult groups.