From March 8th to 16th, 2025, at Fiere di Parma, Mercanteinfiera presents Opens and closes: keys through the centuries, curated by Piero Degli Esposti. Among the highlights of Mercanteinfiera Primavera 2025 is the exhibition “Pinocchio: An Illustrated Journey”, curated by Luca Cena. This showcase features a selection of 12 illustrators whose work has profoundly shaped the visual interpretation of Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale. Ninety years after his birth, the third collateral exhibition on the program is dedicated to The king: 90 years of Elvis’ legend, curated by Gabriele Olivieri.

(Parma, 30 December 2024) – “In this house, no door must be opened before the last one has been closed,” says Grace (Nicole Kidman) in the film The Others. Keys that open doors that should remain closed, keys that fly as in Harry Potter. And then there are the “keys to heaven,” which for centuries have symbolized papal power, so much so that the very shape of St. Peter’s Basilica recalls that of a key.

An everyday object that deeply inhabits our cultural imagination is the focus of the exhibition Opens and Closes: Keys Through the Centuries, curated by Piero Degliesposti, under the patronage of the Municipality and Pro Loco of Castel San Pietro Terme, during the upcoming Mercanteinfiera Spring edition (Fiere di Parma, March 8-16).

The collateral exhibition presents around 170 historical specimens, a testament to diverse cultures, eras, and craftsmanship, becoming the centerpiece of an exhibition that will captivate enthusiasts and professionals of design and antiques.

Among the showcased items is a Spanish Baroque key from the 18th century, whose handle reflects Arabic-Islamic art, evidence of Moorish influence that lasted for eight centuries. Nearby, a Zanzibari key from the 19th century, representing a region under the Sultanate of Oman, illustrates a blend of styles and cultures.

Notable too is the French “Chef-d’œuvre” key from the mid-16th century, featuring finely sculpted anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, a symbol of the exceptional skill required of apprentice locksmiths to earn the title of master. Equally remarkable is the Venetian Renaissance key with a rose window design from the 16th century, adorned with silver inlays, a testimony to the era’s incredible technical and stylistic richness.

Each key tells a story, like the powder magazine key, cast in brass to prevent sparks, or the prison key, designed for specific and strictly regulated uses, many of which remain in use today.

This exhibition aims to combine aesthetic allure with history, offering a perspective on the symbolic meaning of keys, deeply rooted in Christian culture and our collective imagination.

The other collateral exhibitions 

In 1883, publisher Felice Paggi released The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, accompanied by illustrations from Enrico Mazzanti. Since then, each new edition of this beloved puppet’s adventures has been brought to life through the vision of remarkable artists. Over the course of more than 140 years, Pinocchio has become a visual journey as much as a literary one. The exhibition “Pinocchio: An Illustrated Journey” celebrates this rich artistic tradition. Through the work of 12 iconic illustrators, it offers a captivating exploration of the imagery that has defined this masterpiece over generations. Each artist featured represents a milestone in the visual evolution of Collodi’s classic, revealing how the world’s most famous puppet continues to inspire and captivate readers of all ages.

Celebrating 90 years since his birth, the third collateral exhibition is “The king: 90 years of Elvis’ legend”, curated by Gabriele Olivieri.

Mercanteinfiera 2025: The Must-Attend Event for Signature Design, Antiques, and Vintage Collectibles

The Spring edition of Mercanteinfiera reaffirms itself as an international showcase for collecting and historical design. From unique pieces of mid-century modern to signature designs by masters such as Gio Ponti and Franco Albini, not to mention iconic timepieces and vintage fashion. With over 6,000 buyers expected from around the world, Mercanteinfiera becomes a crossroads of cultures, eras, stories, and passions, combining the thrill of discovery with the value of authenticity. As Italo Calvino observed, “Collecting reflects the human desire to bring order to the world, transforming personal experience into a series of tangible elements, saved from dispersion.” Mercanteinfiera is therefore not just a marketplace but a custodian of collective memory, where every object tells a story and contributes to giving meaning to our presence in the world.

Mercanteinfiera Press Office | Mirandola Comunicazione

Antonella Maia – mobile 349.4757783 – antonella.maia@mirandola.net

www.mirandola.net

Organizational Information

When: March 8–16, 2025
Where: Fiere di Parma, Viale delle Esposizioni 393/A
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Ticket office closes at 3:00 PM on March 16)
Admission: €15 at the gate; €12 online; free for children up to 12 years old (accompanied by an adult)
Fiere di Parma Info Line: +39 0521-996