| From
the origins to the 1996 fire
1836-1892
From the first fire to the late 19th century
13th December 1836: the first
fire
On 13th December 1836 a fire, probably caused by
a faulty heater, sweeps through the auditorium and part of the theatre.
The theatre collapses, but the foyer and Apollo auditoria are spared by
the fire.
1837: the first rebuilding project
The company which owns the theatre appoints brothers Tommaso and Giovan
Battista Meduna to oversee the rebuilding project. Tranquillo Orsi works
on decorations for the ceiling; Sebastiano Santi and Luigi Zandomenighi
on those for the auditorium ; Giuseppe Borsato is appointed by the government
to decorate the royal box. The newly decorated theatre opens on 26th
December of the same year.
1844
The theatre's oil lamps are replaced by a new gas lighting system.
1848
Following a patriotic uprising, the imperial loggia is destroyed and replaced by smaller boxes.
1849
The Austrian government, now ruling over the city, appoints the Meduna brothers to rebuild the imperial loggia. Giuseppe Borsato is asked to provide decorations.
1853
Two competitions are announced for the new decorations for the auditorium:
the first is unsuccessful. Giovan Battista Meduna wins the second competition.
His decorations survive until the second fire which breaks out on 29th
January 1996.
1865
To mark the four hundredth anniversary of Dante's birth, one of the Apollo auditoria is decorated with scenes from Dante by the painter Giacomo Casa.
1866
When Venice is annexed to Italy, the theatre's imperial loggia is turned into a royal box, with the coat of arms of the House of Savoy at its centre.
1876
The company which owns the theatre is liquidated.
1892
The theatre is fitted with electric lighting.
La Fenice becomes a corporation.
back next
|
