The Astrolampo

Once inside the room, surrounded by the warmth of the boxes, looking up we can see the majestic Astrolampo, which dominates and illuminates everything from above.

With its warm light, the chandelier welcomes the spectators and enhances the beauty of the arena, giving space to the music when it turns off.

Forged in 1853, despite its apparent lightness, this gilded bronze chandelier is 4,50 meters high and wide, and 1100 kgs in weight...

...and one of the finest artifacts that the famous Parisian foundry of Auguste Lacarrière ever created together with the chandeliers of Opéra Garnier in Paris and of Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

At its top stood a neoclassical bronze pedestal, adorned with three 70 cm tall statuettes, allegories of the dance, comedy, and tragedy, which were removed in 1913 to improve visibility from the gallery.

Today they are exhibited at the Parma Opera Museum at the House of Music.

A cascade of crystals collected in dome-shaped silver threads connects to the larger circle, ringed by an airy and balanced bronze composition of twelve chubby dancing cupids in expressive and natural poses, interspersed with crystal stilettos and floral motifs.

The smaller circle below shows a more rhythmic and energetic but still harmonious composition, in which six performing and cheering putti strike the most varied poses, marked by loose movements and natural twists, in search of a balance with their musical instruments.