Imagine this. It’s a balmy summer afternoon but the dogs are bouncing off the apartment walls. What does that mean? Park. Time.

We go to the enclosed park that’s shaded by a canopy of “why would you plant a dog park under these spiky-balls-of-death-generating chestnut trees?!?!”

As Mucca and Nola are revving up their zoomies engines, I hear a crescendo of music building in the distance. After a moment of feeling like I’m in a cat(ahoula) and mouse chase cartoon, I realize the background melody is drifting from the open windows of Piazzina Liberty.

Just Park it here

Our park, Parco Formentano is like a grassy-knoll meets woods, smack-dab in the city center of Milan. And smack in the middle of the park is a very charming art nouveau building that’s home to the Milano Chamber Orchestra.

Let me tell you, nothing says summer like chasing after your dog yelling “Cow! (Remember, we named our dog Mucca = cow in Italiano) What’s in your mouth?!!” to that one part in Beethoven’s 5^th where things get a little rowdy.

If only I had a St. Bernard….AM I RIGHT GUYS?!!

Ok 90’s dog movie jokes aside, this place is gorgeous. It’s one of those not-so-hidden gems that when I pass every morning I can’t help but think “yep. I live in Italy.” And having random soundtrack-to-my-life moments when I happen to catch them rehearsing with the windows open, makes it all the better.

What is this place?

According to Wikipedia, it was built 1908 in the center of the Verziere market where they sold fruit and veggies. It was originally used as a café and restaurant where patrons and merchants alike would gather to spread the town gossip, probably over teensie cups of jet-fueled espresso.

Once the market relocated, it was left neglected for some time until the 1970s, when it got turned into a theater. Then in the 80’s it became the main spot for the Civic Band of Milan.

Since the mid-90’s it’s been home to the Classic Chamber Orchestra of Milan. Finally in 2017, they officially made the full name “Piazzina Liberty Dario Fo e Franca Rame” for the famous protagonists who started that theater in the 70s.

The Music

In the Before Times (pre-covid), they used to have all sorts of concerts both indoors and out in the piazza, for locals. Today, it looks like they’re still regularly holding events, but not so much outside as spontaneous combustion probably isn’t good for repeat business.

Have I gone to one of these events yet. No. Why would I when I get all the free practice listens I can handle while chasing my pups back and forth over a woodsy floor covered in ankle-piercing chestnut spikes?!

Just kidding! I do have it on my list to see a proper show. Because it looks just as gorgeous inside and I’d love to see it.

Classic Photo Backdrop

But when I’m not mooching free culture from Piazzina Liberty, I love photographing my dogs around there.

Unfortunately, some scumbag decided to write the file name of their favorite Quicktime format all over the back (front?) of it. But with some Photoshop magic, until they do some paint magic, the structure is still lovely.

I’ll admit, some of the ground floor entrances on the side, that are super-scumbag tagged, make for a pretty cool urban backdrop for pups.

I’m always reminding myself how nice it is to have such a big park at our dew-nail tips, and I appreciate the other “notes” of beauty in the park as well.

This is also one of the best ways to burn some energy before a photo session at Apawture Studios. I always recommend a slightly tired and hungry pup before sessions and this is a great way to play. Maybe you can catch your own rehearsal session!