Tolkien. Man, Professor, Author

Explore the world behind the legend

From September 19, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the Salone degli Incanti will be transformed into Middle-earth with the exhibition “Tolkien. Man, Professor, Author.”

Step into the life and imagination of one of the world’s most beloved writers, the creator of an entire universe of languages, maps, stories, and characters that continue to inspire millions of readers today.

The exhibition features original manuscripts, letters, photographs, and artworks born from the Tolkien’s universe. Visitors will discover not only the author of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion, but also the Oxford professor, the passionate linguist, the friend, and the father. A special section showcases more than 100 works by 39 artists who have given Middle-earth its many faces and colors.

The show also highlights Tolkien’s special connection with Italy: from the Italian words he loved to pronounce, to his trips to Venice and Assisi, to the publishing history and the influence his works have had on Italian culture and art.

Highlights not to miss:

The academic gown Tolkien wore at Oxford between 1925 and 1959.
Proof copies of his most important volumes.
Illustrations never displayed in Italy before.

This is the largest exhibition on Tolkien ever staged in Italy: spectacular, rich with rare materials, and curated in collaboration with international institutions such as the Oxford University.

Trieste is the final stop of this extraordinary journey. Whether you’re a lifelong Tolkien fan or simply curious to discover the man behind the legend, don’t miss the chance - just a 15-minute walk from Hotello!

Info: salonedeglincanti.online.trieste.it