Mario Lanza Institute and Museum
Mario Lanza Institute and Museum
Mario Lanza left this earth in October 1959. However a great legacy has been created in his name that allows opportunity and financial aid to be presented to young talents aspiring for vocal careers for both concert and opera stages.
The idea began in 1962, a charter was obtained the organization that would benefit hundreds was born. Once each year, the Mario Lanza Institute holds vocal auditions on the last Monday and Tuesday in October for financial aid and training.
To date over 200 scholarships have been awarded and many winners have gone on to sing in major opera houses. Two outstanding recipients of this help from this facility Lando Bartolini, an early winner, and more recently, Juan Diego Florez are two of the many recipients who have made their mark on the international music scene. Mario's family is still active within the institute's activities to this day to make sure Mario's initial wishes and dream are maintained.
The museum dedicated to Mario is impressive. The Mario Lanza Museum is now in its fourth home at 712 Montrose Street on the first floor of Columbus House. The museum houses a variety of memorabilia from the career of the legendary tenor who hailed from Philadelphia.
You will see posters, lobby cards from the many MGM flicks he acted in, numerous photos both candid and studio shots, a variety of stage costumes, and a beautiful terra cotta bust are just a small sampling of what you will see when you visit this unusual museum. If you have any questions, or you want more information about a particular exhibit, the staff is very knowledgeable and glad to help you out! If you'd like to pick up a memento of your visit there are many items for purchase including CD's, audio and video cassettes, books, photos, and wearing apparel. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
