The Time of Play at MARV Gradara: two centuries of games on display

The Time of Play at MARV, Gradara

Until 7 June 2026 the Museo d’Arte Rubini Vesin (MARV) in Gradara hosts the exhibition “The Time of Play”, showcasing the Loris Betti Collection and tracing more than two centuries of play history.

Opened on 22 March 2026, the exhibition highlights the cultural and social significance of play through rare games and artifacts spanning from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century.

Highlights

• Themed sections: toys and games devoted to domestic life, girls’ play, sports, travel imagery, advertising and cinema.
• Pinocchio tribute: a dedicated area marking the centenary of the author related to the character.
• Pre-cinema objects: toy projectors and magic lanterns that prefigure audiovisual entertainment.
• Gambling boards and family games: examples of how wagering boards were adapted into social games.
• Interactive room: reproductions of historic games available for hands-on testing by visitors.
• Digital resources: QR-coded content provides autonomous access to explanatory material via smartphone.

Why visit

The Loris Betti Collection functions as a research instrument to read historical tastes, habits and cultural expectations. The exhibition explores play as an educational, social and cultural phenomenon, appealing to families, educators, history enthusiasts and collectors.

Organisation and services

The show is organised by MARV together with Gradara Innova. Known as the City of Play and home to the “Gradara Ludens” festival, Gradara strengthens its role as a hub for play-related education, school programmes and team-building activities.

Practical info: check the museum’s official channels for opening hours, ticketing and guided visit options. Dedicated educational activities are available for schools and organized groups.