Join Us for Our Italian Exhibit and Film!

Italian Film Collinsville Illinois
COME JOIN US!

ITALIAN EXHIBITION & FILM

Welcome to the 2023 Italian Fest and another special trip to Italy!

It’s our sixteenth year for an exhibit and film, and we’ve chosen a destination that’s a favorite of travelers around the world. Welcome to Tuscany!

Tuscany is known for its golden sunrises, its medieval castles and coastal towns, its walled cities, leaning tower, special festivals, and award-winning wines and food.

It’s home to Florence’s majestic Duomo with Michelangelo’s David and other masterpieces not far away.

Tuscany is full of treasures to be seen and appreciated. We invite you to join us for a “Walk through Tuscany” featuring more than thirty specially-selected photographs and explanations to make your visit enjoyable.

And there’s more! We’ll also include the latest news about the twenty-four ancient bronze statues uncovered in a hot, thermal spring near Siena. It’s estimated these pieces were placed there 2300 years ago. Our exhibit will give updates.

And now let’s visit Tuscany—this mystical land “Beyond the Tuscan Sun”. Enjoy!

beyond the tuscan sun

2023 Italian Exhibit

Beyond the Tuscan Sun
Sept. 1 - Oct. 16
Collinsville Memorial Library
408 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234

Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Closed all day Sept. 4
Closes at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16

Exhibit curators: Annette M. Graebe and Barbara Klein with assistance by Marty Cavanaugh, Sharon McAley, Kyla Waltermire, and library staff in collaboration with the Mississippi Valley Library District and the Italian Film Festival USA.

Our exhibit (“Beyond the Tuscan Sun”) takes visitors for an up-close, behind-the-scenes “Walk Through Tuscany”, enjoying more than 30 photos and explanations along the way.  

But the exhibit doesn’t end there!  We will have up-to-date coverage of the 24 bronze statues and other pieces found buried in a hot, thermal spring in Siena, Italy.  It’s estimated these pieces were placed in the hot waters more than 2,300 years ago.

palio

2023 Italian Film

Palio by Cosima Spender
Thursday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m.
Collinsville Library Community Room
408 W. Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois 62234

Don’t miss this award-winning, heart-racing Italian film about the famous Siena horse race known around the world.

New York Times calls the film “Rocky on horseback.”

The film is in Italian with English subtitles. Admission is free.

Sponsored by the Italian Film Festival USA in collaboration with the Mississippi Valley Library District.

Come see the action-packed film “PALIO” — the horse race known throughout the world.  It’s in Italian with English subtitles.

Collinsville Memorial Library (Children’s Activity)

While attending the Italian Fest Friday or Saturday, stop by the Collinsville Library’s children’s department between the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday or  9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday to create your own Tuscan-themed mask. No registration is needed. While supplies last.

For more information, call (618) 344-1112 (Collinsville Library)

Italian Exhibits Collinsville IL

Italian Fest Event Guidelines

Here is a list of guidelines that will help make Italian Fest enjoyable and safe for everyone!

  • In the event of an emergency, please listen to and follow the directions of Event Staff and Rescue/Emergency professionals.
  •  Italian Fest attendees are expected to avoid unnecessary risks and exercise common sense.
  • Fireworks, firearms, knives, swords, weapons, and explosive materials are strictly prohibited.
  • Pets are not permitted. However, registered service animals are welcome, but you will be asked to show your papers for your service animal as well as clean-up bags.
  • No Bikes, Skateboards, or Scooters allowed.
  • Trash goes into the trash receptacles. Help us make sure the city of Collinsville can stay clean.
  • As a guest of Italian Fest please treat the Main Street buildings and grounds with respect. These historic buildings cannot stand up to abuse, ill-use, or being climbed on. Please conduct yourself and your children in such a way that we can continue to host Italian Fest here for years to come.