Tolkien in Trieste: the exhibition “Man, Professor, Author” at the Salone degli Incanti

The Salone degli Incanti in Trieste is set to transform into Middle-earth: as part of the rich cultural program of Go!2025!, which has named Gorizia and Nova Gorica European Capitals of Culture for 2025, the city is preparing to host the exhibition “Tolkien. Man, Professor, Author” starting September 19.

Tolkien in Trieste: a journey through the writer’s life and works

The myth of J.R.R. Tolkien arrives in Trieste with an exhibition designed above all to introduce the man behind the masterpieces. The event aims not only to showcase his work as a writer, but also to highlight his role as an Oxford professor and scholar of ancient languages. His deep knowledge of ancient mythology was the foundation of his creative journey, enabling him to bring entire worlds to life, from The Lord of the Rings to The Hobbit.

Through a dialogue of words and images, visitors will find letters and manuscripts by Tolkien displayed alongside illustrations, maps and artworks inspired by his writings. The result is an immersive exhibition that offers a multi-sensory experience, inviting guests to explore the aesthetics of a literary universe that has shaped the very language of modern fantasy.

The structure of the exhibition, focused on Tolkien’s imagination and the ways in which his works have inspired generations of artists, makes it engaging for a wide variety of audiences and not only for the most passionate and devoted readers.

How and when to visit the exhibition

The exhibition “Tolkien. Man, Professor, Author” will be open to the public from September 19 until January 11, 2026, at the Salone degli Incanti in Trieste. On the occasion of the Barcolana 2025, during the first two weekends of October the exhibition will extend its opening hours until 10 p.m., offering an even more accessible experience both to locals and to visitors spending a few days in the city.

For more information about the exhibition, or to discover upcoming events in Trieste, feel free to ask our team at the reception of the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste.