MARV in Gradara to Become 'Museum of Play' with 'The Time of Play'

MARV in Gradara to Become 'Museum of Play' with "The Time of Play" Exhibition

Location: MARV – Museo d’Arte Rubini Vesin, Gradara (PU). Dates: 22 March – 7 June 2026.

The MARV presents an exhibition that traces the cultural and social role of play, displaying selected pieces from the Loris Betti Collection. The display spans from the 18th century to the 1980s and is designed to appeal to visitors of all generations.

• Thematic areas: educational toys, travel-inspired games, sports competitions, advertising, cinema and precinema (magic lanterns and toy projectors), plus gambling-style boards reinterpreted as family games.
• Pinocchio tribute: a dedicated section marking the centenary of Carlo Collodi’s birth.
• Hands-on room: reproductions of historical games available for visitors to try.
• Digital resources: further content accessible via QR codes for independent consultation by smartphone.

This exhibition strengthens the museum’s ongoing focus on play studies. From 2026 the institution will adopt the brand MARV Museo del Gioco, aiming to position Gradara as a centre for research, promotion and educational activities around play at national and international levels.

Organisers and curation: organised by MARV – Rete Museale Marche Nord and Gradara Innova; promoted by the Municipality of Gradara. Loan: Loris Betti Collection. Scientific curators: Sara Benvenuti and Francesca Volpini. Coordination: Luca Baroni.

The exhibition caters to general visitors, school groups and organisations seeking educational or team-building activities based on play. For practical information on opening hours and tickets, check the museum’s official channels.