I toured “The Phoenix” Opera House which earned the name because it was rebuilt after being destroyed by fires three times.
I loved the fact that the seats are individual heated and cooled for maximum energy conservation. Bel Canto era composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi had their Opera works performed here. There are 5 lovely appointed social/performance rooms called the Apollo rooms and one is dedicated to Verdi!
The Theatre hosts a Maria Callas exhibition, which focuses on her 7 Venetian years. She made her career debut, in 1947 at 24 yrs of age, in this Opera House singing Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde . 
Gallerie dell’Accademia has an exhibit of human anatomy drawings by Leonardo da Vinci collected during his time in Milan, Florence and Venice. In particular, I went to see The Vitruvian Man, the most recognized symbol of the Italian Renaissance which he sketched around 1487. It is a powerful and intense drawing which is accompanied by notes based on the work of the Roman architect Vitruvius. In this one image he was able to solve an architectural problem of proportions which combined mathematics, philosophy, religion, and artistry. The V man is on a no lend list and can only be seen in this Gallery.
I was surprised to see one intricate drawing of a war machine included in this human body collection by Leonardo. Sorry 📵no photos of “V” man permitted.
The rest of the Gallery is full of masterpieces up to the 18th century. It was well worth the visit!
Diane’s Trips 