Interest in antiques is on the rise again, while the passion for historic Italian design continues to cross borders. The three special exhibitions and space-themed talks featuring Tommaso Ghidini (ESA) and Passione Astronomia were a resounding success. Next edition: March 8-16, 2025!

(Parma, 21 October 2024) – The return of antiques, space-age design, the allure of perfume bottles, and the “rediscovery” of the Beatles all contributed to the record-breaking turnout and the presence of 6,000 international buyers at the 43rd edition of Mercanteinfiera Fall. This international event at Fiere di Parma celebrates antiques, historic design, modern collectibles, and vintage items, including fashion, jewelry, and watches.

The three special exhibitions were a crowd favorite. “Beatlemania: a journey through the history of the fab four,” organized in collaboration with the Beatles Museum of Brescia and supported by the Beatlesiani d’Italia Associati, captivated visitors with its memorabilia from the legendary Liverpool band. Many couldn’t resist taking selfies on the recreated Abbey Road crosswalk, designed with special panels.

Another highlight was the exhibition “The shape of perfume: scent bottles between art and history,” in collaboration with Monica Magnani Collection. Around 180 examples were displayed, ranging from ancient Roman times to the mid-20th century. Space also took center stage with the exhibition “Shoot for the Moon: how we will live on our satellite,” in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). It showcased how humans will return and inhabit the Moon in the coming years, following the historic Apollo 11 landing 54 years ago.

Visitors were also drawn to the talks, particularly “Blame it on the Apollo 11 Moon landing (and more)” with science communicators Marco Bastoni and Pasquale D’Anna, and the interview with Tommaso Ghidini, Head of Structures, Mechanisms, and Materials at ESA, conducted by RAI journalist Luca Ponzi. These sessions provided deep dives into the exciting possibilities of space exploration.

This edition marked a renewed interest in antiques, while historic Italian design once again stole the hearts of the 6,000 buyers in attendance. “Americans and Europeans are crazy about Made in Italy,” say New York interior designers Lotta Meynell and Asa Bollvik. “They appreciate Italy’s ‘holistic’ approach, where architecture, art, and design are intertwined. Italian furniture is seen not just as functional but as sculptural masterpieces.”

The passion for Italian craftsmanship is alive and well, with iconic pieces like Gio Ponti’s tables and Gaetano Pesce’s one-of-a-kind creations. And let’s not forget the tradition of Murano glassmakers, who can create glass chandeliers up to 7 meters high—just one of the many wonders on display. “Foreign buyers adore modern and vintage design,” notes Marisa Addomine, highlighting Mercanteinfiera as their go-to source. “We’ve noticed a growing interest in more traditional antique pieces as well, including trumeaus, dressers, ceramics, armchairs, and timeless paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The key, of course, is quality.” Sacred art and portraiture were particularly appreciated by Nordic buyers, while a strong presence of young, eager treasure hunters was also noted. Watches and jewelry remained major attractions, along with vintage items, which were a hit with female attendees, though not exclusively.

“This success speaks to the enduring excellence of Made in Italy,” says Ilaria Dazzi. “International buyers are drawn to pieces from the 1950s to the 1980s, but even more contemporary items are generating admiration and curiosity. They showcase the extraordinary talent of artists and brands who can turn ideas into practical, beautiful objects. This edition was incredibly diverse and rich, allowing us to rediscover the timeless music of the Beatles, explore the fascinating world of perfume bottles, and dive into the final frontier of space—where we learned just how important design is. We’ll continue working to bring together seemingly distant worlds, offering the public a chance to engage with complex topics in fun and interesting ways. I believe, edition after edition, Mercanteinfiera is becoming more and more like a treasure trove of memories and an encyclopedia of the world.”

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