The majestic Auditorium RAI stands before you. Its story is one of reinvention a symphony of change echoing through time.
Originally built in 1856 it wasn’t a concert hall. This building was the Regio Ippodromo Vittorio Emanuele II. It was a grand hippodrome for equestrian shows and circuses. Imagine 4500 spectators filling its space. They came to witness feats of horsemanship daring acrobatic displays and the thrilling spectacle of the circus. This was the heart of Turin’s social life in the 1800s a vibrant hub of entertainment. The building hosted not only equestrian events but athletic competitions too.
The Vittorio Emanuele Theater as it was later called then underwent a transformation. In the early 1900s it needed renovations. Engineer Antonio Vandone of Cortemilia led the work expanding the foyer and improving the building’s facilities. Further renovations followed in 1910 and 1926 modernizing the stage and enhancing visibility. Throughout these years the theater hosted numerous opera premieres and concerts. A young Arturo Toscanini a cellist at the time contributed to the creation of what would eventually become the National Symphony Orchestra. This is a little-known fact about the Auditorium RAI’s past.
Following World War II and the destruction of another Turin theater the RAI acquired the building in 1952. Architects Aldo Morbelli and Carlo Mollino spearheaded its next transformation. They created the Auditorium RAI we see today. The entrance and box office were enlarged. The acoustics and stage visibility were significantly improved. They added a state-of-the-art audio video recording system and installed a large pipe organ at the back of the stage. The Auditorium RAI opened its doors for the first time December 16 1952. A concert by Mario Rossi featuring works by Stravinsky Mozart Rossini and Beethoven marked the occasion.
The Auditorium RAI continued to evolve. Renovations in 2005 and 2019 further enhanced its facilities updating the seating and foyer. In 2007 it was named in honor of Arturo Toscanini recognizing his early contributions to the city’s musical life. Today the Auditorium RAI serves as a prominent venue for the RAI National Symphony Orchestra and many other high-profile musical events. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of music and the ability of a space to transcend its initial purpose. It is a vital part of Turin’s cultural landscape. Its history resonates within its walls a constant reminder of its rich and ever-evolving story.