Festival of Philosophy 2025 – Modena, Carpi, Sassuolo, Italy

Background and History

The Festivalfilosofia, launched in 2001, is a renowned cultural event in Italy, transforming Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo into vibrant hubs of philosophical discourse for three days each year. Organized by the Consorzio per il Festival Filosofia, whose members include the Comuni of Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo, the Fondazione Collegio San Carlo di Modena, the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Carpi, and the Fondazione di Modena, the festival is a platform for exploring fundamental philosophical questions through a chosen theme. The 25th edition in 2025 celebrates its silver anniversary, drawing over 200,000 attendees in past years to engage with leading thinkers, artists, and the public in open, accessible spaces.

Theme and Focus

The 2025 festival, themed “Paideia,” delves into the concept of education and the transmission of knowledge, a term rooted in ancient Greek philosophy that signifies the holistic formation of individuals through knowledge, values, and community. This theme reflects on:

• The interplay between generations in education, beyond traditional family settings.
• The role of schools and cultural institutions in knowledge dissemination.
• The impact of social transformations and technological revolutions on learning.
• The humanistic value of culture is curiosity, creativity, and intergenerational dialogue.

The festival uses “Paideia” to explore education’s societal role, addressing contemporary issues like AI, policy, and community-based learning, while celebrating 25 years of philosophical inquiry.

Event Highlights

The 25th Festival Filosofia, running from September 19 to September 21, 2025, features over 150 free events across Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo, including:

• Lezioni Magistrali (Master Lectures): 56 lectures and debates by prominent philosophers, including Massimo Cacciari, Barbara Carnevali, Umberto Galimberti, Maurizio Ferraris, and newcomers like James Boyle and Marina Garcès.
• La Lezione dei Classici: Commentaries on classic philosophical texts relevant to “Paideia,” delivered by esteemed scholars.
• Exhibitions and Installations: Over 30 shows, including:
  • Quayola: Machine as Muse (Fondazione Ago, Palazzo Santa Margherita, Modena): Features Quayola’s “Storms” and “Giuditta e Oloferne” series, exploring art and technology.
  • Lo Sbadiglio dell’Archivista (Fondazione Ago, Modena): Photographic and multimedia works by LABA students reflecting on archival knowledge.
• Performances and Concerts: Live music, theater, and multimedia shows in public squares and theaters, emphasizing the theme through artistic expression.
• Workshops and Activities: Interactive labs for children, teens, and adults, focusing on philosophical inquiry and creative learning.
• Philosophical Dinners: Themed dining experiences blending culinary arts with philosophical discussion.
• Children’s Program: Free activities like workshops and book markets tailored for young audiences.
• Collezione di Saperi (Fondazione Ago, Modena): A family-friendly lab using figurines to explore educational themes.
• Web Streaming: Select lectures streamed live on festival channels, with recordings available post-event.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: September 19 – September 21, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
• Duration: 3 days

Main Address

• Primary Contact Address: Consorzio per il Festivalfilosofia, Largo Porta Sant’Agostino, 337, 41121 Modena MO, Italy
• Operational Venues: Events are spread across public squares, theaters, and cultural sites in Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo (see below).

All Venues

The festival utilizes historic and public spaces across three cities, creating open-air classrooms and stages:

• Modena:
  • Piazza Grande: Central square for lectures and performances.
  • Palazzo Santa Margherita (Fondazione Ago): Via Vittorio Veneto, 5, 41121 Modena MO. Hosts exhibitions like Quayola: Machine as Muse and Lo Sbadiglio dell’Archivista. Open September 19–20, 9 AM–11 PM; September 21, 9 AM–9 PM.
  • Cortile del Leccio, Palazzo Ducale: Via Emilia Centro, 41121 Modena MO. Venue for master lectures.
  • Teatro Storchi: Largo Garibaldi, 15, 41124 Modena MO. Indoor lectures and performances.
  • Sant’Agostino Museo: Largo Porta Sant’Agostino, 337, 41121 Modena MO. Hosts major events and screenings.
• Carpi:
  • Piazza dei Martiri: Main square for open-air lectures and events.
  • Teatro Comunale: Piazza dei Martiri, 72, 41012 Carpi MO. Indoor venue for lectures and shows.
  • Cortile d’Onore, Palazzo dei Pio: Piazza dei Martiri, 41012 Carpi MO. Hosts debates and performances.
• Sassuolo:
  • Piazza Garibaldi: Primary open-air venue for lectures and events.
  • Teatro Carani: Via Mazzini, 28, 41049 Sassuolo MO. Indoor lectures, used in case of rain.
  • Piazzale della Rosa: Additional public space for performances and workshops.

Contact Information

• Phone: +39 059 2033382 (Modena office), +39 0536 880885 or +39 0536 880980 (Sassuolo office)
• Email: info@festivalfilosofia.it (general inquiries), cultura@comune.sassuolo.mo.it (Sassuolo-specific)
• Website: www.festivalfilosofia.it
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/festivalfilo
  • X: https://twitter.com/festivalfilo
• Tourist Info: www.visitmodena.it, www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it
• Organizers: Consorzio per il Festivalfilosofia (members: Comuni of Modena, Carpi, Sassuolo; Fondazione Collegio San Carlo; Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Carpi; Fondazione di Modena)

Ticket Information

• Pricing: All events are free, including lectures, exhibitions, workshops, performances, concerts, and philosophical dinners. No reservations are required, and entry is subject to venue capacity.
• How to Participate: Access events on a first-come, first-served basis. Check www.festivalfilosofia.it for the program and venue details. For crowded events, arrive early to secure a spot.
• Web Access: Live streams of select lectures are available on festival channels, with recordings posted the following week.

Cultural Experience

The Festivalfilosofia transforms Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo into open-air philosophical arenas, blending intellectual rigor with cultural vibrancy. Historic piazzas like Piazza Grande and Piazza dei Martiri host lectures under the stars, while venues like Teatro Carani and Palazzo Santa Margherita offer intimate settings for reflection. The “Paideia” theme fosters discussions on education’s role in society, with contributions from global thinkers and local artists. The festival’s free access and diverse formats—lectures, art, music, and family activities—make it inclusive, inviting all to engage with philosophy in Emilia-Romagna’s historic heart.

Food and Drinks

Emilia-Romagna’s culinary heritage enhances the festival experience:

• Tortellini in Brodo: Pasta in broth (~$11). Try at Osteria Francescana (Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO, reservations needed).
• Lasagna Bolognese: Layered pasta with ragù (~$13.20). Available at Trattoria Aldina (Via Luigi Albinelli, 40, 41121 Modena MO).
• Gnocco Fritto: Fried dough with cured meats (~$8.80). Enjoy at Ristorante da Enzo (Via Coltellini, 17, 41121 Modena MO).
• Lambrusco: Sparkling red wine (~$5.50–$8.80/glass). Served at Enoteca Compagnia del Taglio (Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 27, 41121 Modena MO).
• Tigelle: Round flatbreads with fillings (~$7.70). Try at Trattoria Il Fantino (Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 45, 41012 Carpi MO).

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Free workshops, book markets, and activities for children and teens are offered in all three cities, designed to spark philosophical curiosity. Examples include “Collezione di Saperi” at Palazzo Santa Margherita, using figurines to explore learning.
• Accessibility: Venues like Piazza Grande and Teatro Carani are wheelchair-accessible. Indoor alternatives (e.g., Teatro Carani in Sassuolo) are used in case of rain. Contact info@festivalfilosofia.it for accommodations or special needs.

Getting There

• By Air: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ, 40 km from Modena, ~$44 taxi or $6.60 train to Modena). Alternatively, Florence Peretola (FLR, 130 km, ~$110 taxi or $16.50 train).
• By Train: Modena Station, served by Trenitalia, is central (5–10 min walk to Piazza Grande, $5.50 taxi). Carpi Station is near Piazza dei Martiri (5-minute walk). Sassuolo Station is 10 minutes from Piazza Garibaldi ($5.50 taxi). High-speed trains from Rome (~2 hr, $33) or Milan (~1 hr, $16.50) to Bologna, then regional to Modena (~30 min, $5.50).
• By Car: A1 Motorway to Modena. Park near Piazza Grande (~$2.20–$5.50/day) or Piazza dei Martiri (Carpi). Sassuolo’s Piazza Garibaldi has nearby parking. Check Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) in city centers.
• By Public Transport: Modena’s bus lines (e.g., Line 7, $1.65) connect the station to Piazza Grande. Carpi and Sassuolo are walkable from stations or use local buses ($1.65).
• On Foot: Venues within each city are compact, within 5–15 minutes’ walk (e.g., Piazza Grande to Palazzo Santa Margherita).

Program Overview

The 2025 program, detailed at www.festivalfilosofia.it, includes:

• Lectures: 56 master lectures by philosophers like Alessandro Aresu, Enzo Bianchi, Roberto Esposito, and Chiara Valerio, held in piazzas and theaters.
• Exhibitions: Over 30 shows, including Quantum Insights (Modena) and Semplice e complesso (Sassuolo), blending art and philosophy.
• Performances: Concerts and theater in public squares, like Piazza dei Martiri (Carpi) and Piazzale della Rosa (Sassuolo).
• Workshops: Free labs for all ages, exploring “Paideia” through interactive activities.
• Philosophical Dinners: Themed dining in local restaurants, fostering discussion.
• Children’s Activities: Book markets and labs, like “Collezione di Saperi,” at family-friendly venues.
• Streaming: Live and recorded lectures are available online, enhancing accessibility.

Notable Features

• Free Access: All 150+ events are free, ensuring broad participation.
• Paideia Theme: Reflects on education’s societal role, with talks addressing AI, policy, and community learning.
• Global Thinkers: Features 24 new voices alongside veterans like Massimo Cacciari, fostering fresh perspectives.
• Historic Venues: Iconic settings like Piazza Grande and Palazzo dei Pio blend philosophy with Emilia-Romagna’s heritage.

Accommodation Tips

• Modena: Hotel Cervetta 5 (Via Cervetta, 5, 41121 Modena MO, ~$88–$165/night), 5-minute walk to Piazza Grande.
• Carpi: Hotel Carpi (Via Cipolli, 4, 41012 Carpi MO, ~$66–$110/night), near Piazza dei Martiri.
• Sassuolo: Hotel Leon d’Oro (Via Circonvallazione Nord Est, 195, 41049 Sassuolo MO, ~$66–$110/night), close to Piazza Garibaldi. Book early, as the festival draws large crowds. Check www.visitmodena.it for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Event Recommendations: Attend lectures in Piazza Grande (Modena) or Piazza dei Martiri (Carpi) for an open-air experience. Visit Quayola: Machine as Muse for a tech-art crossover. Family labs at Palazzo Santa Margherita are ideal for kids.
• Navigating the Festival: No tickets needed; arrive early for popular lectures (e.g., Massimo Cacciari’s). Check the program at www.festivalfilosofia.it for schedules.
• Exploring the Region: Visit Modena’s Duomo or Carpi’s Palazzo dei Pio between events. Enjoy Lambrusco and tortellini at local trattorias post-festival.