Propaganda. The Theatre of Power in the Early Modern Period

The exhibition presents the fascinating world of early modern propaganda, when Europe in the 16th–18th centuries was transformed under the pressure of religious conflicts, the rise of states, and new power strategies. Propaganda then became a key tool by which ecclesiastical and secular elites shaped public opinion, consolidated authority, and built identity.

Visitors will see how images, words, and festive spectacles—from books, prints, and paintings to theatrical celebrations—were transformed into effective means of persuasion. The “Theatre of Power” will show that early modern propaganda was not just manipulation, but also a tool for creating symbols and shared values whose echoes in European culture persist to this day.