THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE NEAPOLIS 2500 PRESENTS “TOTÒ AND HIS NAPLES,” 31 OCTOBER – 25 JANUARY AT THE ROYAL PALACE
As part of the celebrations marking the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of Naples, the National Committee Neapolis 2500—jointly established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Culture—presents the exhibition “Totò and His Naples,” to be held in the Sala Belvedere of the Royal Palace from 31 October 2025 to 25 January 2026.
The exhibition, conceived by Pupi Avati, member of the National Committee Neapolis 2500, is a unique showcase paying tribute to the deep and inseparable bond between Antonio de Curtis, known as Totò, and the city that saw him born, raised, and become a universal symbol of Neapolitan identity.
This exhibition marks the first stage of an international project that, following its presentation in Naples, will travel to New York, highlighting the universal power of art and Totò’s spirit, ambassador of Neapolitan culture and humor worldwide.
“With this exhibition,” states Michele di Bari, Prefect of Naples and President of the National Committee Neapolis 2500, “we celebrate not only Totò’s genius but also the most authentic soul of Naples. Totò has been and remains the face of a city that has made creativity, humor, and resilience its defining traits. His bond with Naples is unbreakable—a dialogue of love that spans generations and connects the city to the world. On the occasion of Naples’ 2,500th anniversary, this tribute honors the city’s history and its cultural vitality, which continues to inspire the world.”
“Totò and His Naples” takes visitors on an emotional journey through the life and career of the artist, evoking his profound, ironic, and melancholic Neapolitan identity, and his deep connection to local traditions and popular culture. The exhibition is organized into thematic sections tracing the key stages of Totò’s human and artistic world:
Origins
Rione Sanità
Totò and the Beauties of His Naples
Theatre
Cinema
Poems
Songs
Testimonies
The Farewell of His Naples
On display will be original documents, photographs, film footage, stage costumes, posters, multimedia installations, and personal testimonies, offering a fresh perspective on Totò and portraying him as a man, an artist, and an immortal symbol of the city.
The exhibition is promoted by the National Committee Neapolis 2500, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Royal Palace of Naples (Ministry of Culture), and with the participation of Totò’s heirs.