Piero De Bernardi: Lazzerini exhibition and film series for his 100th

Piero De Bernardi: Lazzerini exhibition and film series for his 100th birthday

The Lazzerini Library in Prato presents an anthology exhibition dedicated to Piero De Bernardi, one of the most important Italian screenwriters of the 20th century. The display features photographs, posters, playbills and archival documents tracing more than five decades of his work.

The project, curated by Giulia Biagioli with support from Mediateca Toscana and Rotary Prato Filippo Lippi, was conceived by Federico Berti, who also authored the commemorative book. The exhibition opens on 11 April 2026 and runs until 11 May; admission is free during library opening hours.

Key events at the Lazzerini and Terminale:

• 11 April 2026, 16:00 – exhibition inauguration at the Lazzerini gallery.
• 11 April 2026, 16:30 – presentation of Federico Berti's book: "Piero De Bernardi. The fascinating adventure of a talent" (Aska Editori).
• Following the presentation, a screening of Speriamo che sia femmina, written by De Bernardi and Leo Benvenuti and directed by Mario Monicelli.

To complement the centenary, a short film retrospective with free admission will take place at the Terminale cinema:

• 13 April 2026, 21:00 – Il marchese del Grillo (1981), co-written with Leo Benvenuti and directed by Mario Monicelli.
• 20 April 2026, 15:30 – Once Upon a Time in America (Sergio Leone), with a screenplay developed over years by a team including De Bernardi.
• 27 April 2026, 21:00 – The Bishop's Bedroom (1977), directed by Dino Risi.

The programme highlights an author who significantly shaped Italian cinema while remaining personally reserved and little photographed. The exhibition and accompanying events include rare materials and recorded testimony, notably a 2004 filmed interview in which De Bernardi reflects on his childhood in Prato, his move to Rome and his collaborative creative process.

How to attend: the exhibition is free during Lazzerini Library opening hours; screenings at the Terminale are free entry. Check the Lazzerini Library's official channels for up-to-date opening times and access information.