Over 10.000, from the 17th to 20th centuries. There are handwritten (even autograph) drafts, typed and printed libretto editions. Most of the libretti are printed editions, in the case of some operas there are several editions, from the premiere to editions of our time, from Italy and abroad.
The archive’s libretto collection documents the purchase of the various other collections, such as that of La Scala, by Giovanni Ricordi; the influence of censorship; the development of the libretto in the 20th century, and much more.