Romania is taking part April 13 - 16 in the 63rd edition of the Bologna International Children's Book Fair, the world's leading professional event dedicated to children's and young adult literature, held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre.
"Starting April 13, Bologna becomes an important landmark for Romanian culture - a space where it will be visible and accessible to the international public through two complementary presences that highlight both contemporary literary creation and cultural heritage. This includes participation in the International Children's Book Fair and the opening, as part of the Romania - Italy Cultural Year, of the exhibition The Embroidered Treasure of the Queens," the Ministry of Culture announced on Tuesday.
Romania's national stand, covering 48 square meters, is designed as an open space for dialogue and professional meetings, promoting the Romanian publishing offer and facilitating connections with the international book market.
Four creators representative of today's children's literature and photo-book illustration scene will meet the public at the stand, invited by the Ministry of Culture: Adelina Butnaru, illustrator and graphic designer focused on illustrated books and visual identity; Sorina Vazelina, illustrator and comic-book author known for her experimental, versatile style; Maria Doni, illustrator appreciated for her expressive approach and recent editorial and curatorial projects; Alex Moldovan, award-winning and internationally translated author of children's and young adult literature.
Romania's presence is further strengthened by a major success at the Illustrators Exhibition 2026, where artist Veronica Neacsu is among the 75 winners selected from more than 20,000 submissions. Alexandra Mirzac and Maria Doni are also finalists, underscoring the growing visibility of Romanian illustration.
Romania's participation is organized by the Ministry of Culture, with support from the Romanian Cultural Institute - National Book Center, the Fairy Tale Association, and the Romanian Illustrators' Club.
The Bologna Children's Book Fair brings together publishers, authors, illustrators, literary agents and translators from around the world, and includes three major components: the Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF), BolognaBookPlus (dedicated to the publishing sector), and the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (focused on licensing rights for children's and youth content). This year's edition is expected to host around 1,500 exhibitors from 90 countries and regions.
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Also in Bologna, as part of the Romania - Italy Cultural Year, the photo exhibition The Embroidered Treasure of the Queens will open on Thursday. Previously presented in Rome, the exhibition will be hosted at Palazzo d'Accursio - Sala Manica Lunga from April 16 to May 13.
The exhibition offers a visual exploration of the folk costumes and garments belonging to Romania's queens and princesses, heritage pieces preserved by the Romanian Royal Family Collection Foundation.
The project is organized by the National Heritage Institute, in collaboration with the Maitec Association and in partnership with the Consulate General of Romania in Bologna, the Bologna City Hall, the Ministry of Culture and the Romanian Embassy in Italy. The exhibition is created by Dana and Stephane Maitec and curated by Irina Ungureanu Sturza.
"Through high-resolution images and oversized details, it highlights the symbolic richness of traditional embroidery. Alongside the photographic series, the exhibition also includes a traditional costume from the heritage of the Romanian Royal House, once worn by Queen Marie - a testament to the essential role she played in affirming the folk costume as a symbol of identity and culture," the organizers said.
The Romania - Italy Cultural Year 2026 is a strategic bilateral initiative organized by the Embassy of Romania in Italy, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the High Patronage of the President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, and the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
Through this multifaceted presence in Bologna, the Ministry of Culture aims to promote both contemporary creation and Romanian cultural heritage, strengthening Romania's visibility in the European cultural space and supporting preparations for its role as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2028.
Also in Bologna, on Thursday, as part of the Romania-Italy Cultural Year, the photo exhibition "The Embroidered Treasure of the Queens" will open, part of the Romania-Italy Cultural Year. The exhibition, previously presented in Rome, will be hosted at Palazzo d'Accursio - Sala Manica Lunga, from April 16 to May 13.
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