Festival Expansion Since The 1990s
Not until 1966, when the Festival site was moved to reclaimed land just north of and near to the small lake harbour (and the present theatre was built to take advantage of the background of Massaciuccoli Lake), did the Puccini Festival became an annual summer event. With its small villages on the opposite shore, whose flickering lights at night provide unforgettable natural scenery to complement the performances taking place on the stage, the location proved a success, although the theatre's ultra modern design and size have sometimes been drawbacks.
After the creation of the Puccini Festival Foundation in 1990, achieved in order to put the event on a more established financial footing, plans were put in place to create a new open-air theatre with up-to-date facilities and acoustics. The town authorities of Viareggio have purchased 270,000 square feet (25,000 m2) of land to create the Parco della Musica (Music Park) and on it was constructed the Teatro al Aperto (the Outdoor Theatre) to seat 3,200. In addition, other facilities for rehearsals and workshops were built, along with a 600-seat covered studio theatre.
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