The XXXVI edition of the Turin International Book Fair was presented this morning, marking the first directed by Annalena Benini. This year’s theme celebrates the Imaginary Life that fuels creative existence in all its forms.
New Pavilion
Returning to the Fair are the familiar spaces such as pavilions 1, 2, 3, the Oval of Lingotto Fiere, the Lingotto Congress Center, and the Pista 500 space of the Pinacoteca Agnelli. The significant addition this year is Pavilion 4, a temporary structure built outdoors to enhance the overall accessibility of the Fair and provide greater visibility to the Bookstock programming. Pavilion 4 will serve as a dedicated space for education, experimentation, and intergenerational exchange.
Program Highlights
The Fair will feature nearly 2,000 events across 51 rooms, with the Lingotto Congress Center’s Auditorium open to the public from Friday to Monday, offering approximately 15,000 additional seats for attendees.
The Fair’s opening event, in collaboration with Rai Radio3, is scheduled for the evening of May 8 and will be broadcast live from the Rai Auditorium in Turin “Arturo Toscanini.” This year’s theme, “Castelli in aria. Diventare qualcun altro fantasticando” (“Castles in the Air. Becoming Someone Else Fantasizing”), promises a journey in words and music with David Riondino, Monica Demuru, and Natalio Mangalavite.
The official start of the XXXVI edition will be on May 9, with an inaugural lecture by Elizabeth Strout, followed by a diverse program including discussions on feminism, gender violence, and the role of women in society.
International Flavor
The Fair will host a range of international guests, from America to China, exploring worlds both familiar and unknown. Authors such as Yu Hua, Murata Sayaka, Orhan Pamuk, and many others will be in attendance, offering a global perspective on literature and culture.
Bookstock and Salone Off
The Bookstock area, dedicated to young readers, will be relocated outdoors to Pavilion 4, featuring a new Arena, 10 workshops, and 4 rooms. The Salone Off, celebrating its twentieth year, will expand throughout the Turin Metropolitan City and beyond, with Alessandro Baricco closing the event with the premiere of “Abel Concerto” on May 13 at the Teatro Carignano in Turin.
The Fair’s programming promises a rich and diverse experience for visitors of all ages, highlighting the transformative power of literature and imagination.
