The Neverending Art
of practical special effects
The Exhibition
The Neverending Art of practical special effects
is the exhibition that tells the story of the artists and techniques that brought the film The Neverending Story to life.
Over 1.500 mq of exhibition to reveal anecdotes, curiosities and background information on the making of the film that marked ‘80s pop culture.
The event includes conferences with the creators of the film, unpublished photographs, illustrative videos, faithful reproductions, collectible memorabilia, live special effects and a Creative Area where you can give vent to your imagination.
Jump beyond the movie screen and discover what dreams are made of!
Concept art for The Neverending Story
Concept art for The Neverending Story
Matte painting
Scale model
Scale model
The Artists
Who builds the magic behind the scenes?
Set designers, make-up artists, costume designers, model makers, sculptors, lighting directors, illustrators.
Certainly.
But also, animal trainers, acrobats, puppeteers, aeronautical engineers and chemists.
GoPractical and FXLAB brought together the creators of the film’s special effects to transform the exhibition into an educational experience to discover the roles and techniques of analog cinema.
Our guest:
Colin Arthur, Caroleen Green, Ron Hone, Dennis Lowe, Brian Smithies, Renato Casaro, Marcello Baretta e Pierfilippo Siena.
Actress
Creature Designer
Key Artist
Visual Effects Supervisor
Special Effects Technician
Matte Artist
Model Effects Designer
Concept Artist
Visual effects supervisor
Animatronic Supervisor
Visual Effects Supervisor
Model Designer
Conceptual Artist
Visual Effects Supervisor
Matte Artist
Practical director
Program
Saturday 19 April
Exhibition opening
15:00 Special make-up and creatures Homage to Giuseppe Tortora
with Colin Arthur
16:30 The art of creating worlds pt.1
with Caroleen Green
Sunday 20 April
Masterclass visual effects
15:00 from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Total Recall
with Colin Arthur
16:30 The art of creating worlds pt.2
with Caroleen Green
Monday 21 April
Masterclass visual effects
16:00 The greatest show on earth
with Pierfilippo Siena
Wednesday 23 April
City Life ANTEO
19:30 Movie screening in the Maestoso Hall
The NeverEnding Story
Friday 25 April
Masterclass practical directing
16:00 Tangible dreams
with Marcello Baretta
Saturday 26 April
Masterclass illustration
11:00 Illustration for children
with Angelo Lo Torto
16:00 Concept art
with Angelo Lo Torto
Sunday 27 April
Masterclass illustration
15:00 Key Art
with Renato Casaro
Thursday 1 May
Masterclass practical directing
15:00 Analog special effects
with Marcello Baretta
Saturday 3 May
Masterclass in special and visual effects
16:00 Miniature models and how to photograph them
with Dennis Lowe & Ron Hone
Sunday 4 May
Masterclass in special and visual effects
16:00 Catastrophes, androids, machinery and lots of work
with Dennis Lowe & Ron Hone
Saturday 10 May
Masterclass in special and visual effects
16:00 From Thunderbirds to 007 & other stories
with Brian Smithies
Sunday 11 May
Masterclass in special and visual effect
16:00 Tribute to Derek Meddings
with Brian Smithies
Saturday 17 May
Masterclass visual effects
16:00 Optical, photographic effects and in-camera magic
with Pierfilippo Siena
Curators
GoPractical is a brand founded by Marcello Baretta, practical director, author of essays on cinema and professor of special effects at IULM University.
In GoPractical productions, digital is replaced by completely analog alternatives to give life to a world of narrative fiction in which however every visual element is real.
Based on visionary and experimental direction, GoPractical recovers, develops and enhances analogue techniques and production processes, enhancing the talents of the workers whose precious contribution is increasingly replaced by CGI and AI.
GoPractical also deals with the dissemination of cinematographic art through events and educational activities that aim to encourage new generations to cultivate their creativity.
Founded by director Pierfilippo Siena, FXLAB is a brand owned by the production company Paper Plane Pictures, whose core business is the creation of visual and digital effects, motion graphics, 2D and 3D animation, miniature models and props.
Through FXLAB, these activities are also accompanied by the dissemination of the culture of visual, optical, photographic, mechanical and make-up effects with the writing of essays, the organization of exhibitions and events with panels supported by audiovisuals, research, restoration and conservation of historical images from around the world.
Pierfilippo Siena has also held lectures at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, at the IED, at La Sapienza University and has curated audiovisual museum installations at the Franco Zeffirelli Onlus Foundation in Florence.
Tickets
Informations
From 19/04/2025 to 18/05/2025
| DAY | OPENING TIME | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 18:00 | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 18:00 | |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 18:00 | |
| Friday | 10:00 - 18:00 | |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 20:00 | |
| Sundays and holidays | 10:00 - 20:00 | |
| Special openings: 21th and 25th of April, 1st of May | ||
| Access every 30 minutes | ||
General Informations
In some rooms of the exhibition there are lasers and flashing lights that could trigger epileptic seizures or fainting in photosensitive subjects.
- The use of electronic devices such as telephones, video cameras, tablets, PCs, etc. is prohibited within the laser area, because lasers can damage their screens.
- The exhibition is accessible to people with limited mobility.
- It is possible to access the exhibition with strollers (with the exception of double strollers).
- No food or drink may be brought into the exhibition.
- For lost objects inside the exhibition it will be necessary to contact the ticket office where the found objects will be kept.
- Objects larger than 28 x 38 x 13 cm cannot be brought into the exhibition.
- Animals are not allowed.
- The last entry is one hour before closing time.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fabbrica Del Vapore Milano
Via Giulio Cesare Procaccini, 4 – 20154 Milano
How to Get There
METRO
Line M5 Lilla
Monumentale or Cenisio Stop
BUS
Line 70
Ceresio Stop
TRAM
Line 14, 12, 10
Bramante Stop – Monumentale Stop – Procaccini Stop
Frequently Asked Questions
Show Questions
What is Infinite Art?
The Infinite Art of Practical Special Effects is the exhibition dedicated to the artists, techniques and cinematographic technologies that were used in the making of the film “The Neverending Story”.
The Infinite Art of Practical Special Effects
No, the exhibition includes conferences with the artists who will talk about their experience in making films including:
The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial, Dark Crystal, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, Labyrinth, Batman Returns, Terminator 2… And many others.
Does the exhibition include original objects or imitations?
Yes, the exhibition includes both original works and faithful replicas.
Are there also objects you've never seen before?
Yes, the exhibition includes rarities and memorabilia from private collections.
Can objects be touched?
We’re sorry, but touching the objects is prohibited. Some, however, will be interactive.
How long does the exhibition visit last?
The duration of the visit is about an hour, but you can stay as long as you like, for example in the Creative Area.
Can I enter with suitcases or backpacks?
It is not permitted to enter the exhibition with objects, suitcases, bags or similar items larger than 28 x 38 x 13 cm.
Can I come in with food or drinks?
We are sorry, for safety reasons and for the content of the exhibition, access with food or drinks is not permitted.
Can I access all rooms?
No, some rooms will be off-limits unless you have a premium ticket, such as, for example, meeting with artists
What is the difference between the standard ticket and the premium ticket?
The Standard ticket includes access to the laser show, the photographic exhibition, the collections of memorabilia and objects, the Creative Area and the bookshop.
The Premium ticket allows, in addition to the above, to participate in meetings with the artists, in the Masterclasses organized by GoPractical and FXLAB.
How can I know if my order was successful?
After completing the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email. Check your inbox carefully, including junk or spam folders.
During times of high traffic on the sales site, the dispatch of tickets may not be immediate and may take up to 24 hours. In this case, check with your bank that the payment was successful.
Only if the payment has been successful and you have not received your ticket within 24 hours of your purchase, contact Ticketone Customer Service who will be able to assist you and send you the tickets. Do not purchase tickets again as this may cause multiple purchases.
In the event that the sales site presents technical problems during the purchase process, do not
Is it possible to change or cancel my tickets?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to modify or cancel tickets, so before completing your purchase we recommend that you carefully check the type of ticket selected, fare, date, time slot and price.
What are commissions?
Commissions are a supplement to the ticket price that covers the costs of the service provided. They are applied only to online purchases.
Can I give the ticket as a gift?
Certainly. The tickets are not nominative so they can be transferred.
Do children have to pay for the ticket?
A free ticket is provided for children up to 5 years of age.
To collect your free ticket you will need to show an identity document to the ticket office staff before entering the exhibition.
A reduced ticket is available for children aged 6 to 26. From 26 years of age a full ticket is available.
If you have purchased the premium ticket you will also need to purchase the premium ticket for the child (aged 6 to 18) you are accompanying.
Children up to 14 years of age must be supervised by an adult.
Can I access the exhibition in a wheelchair or with a stroller?
The exhibition is accessible for people who use wheelchairs or with reduced mobility and for single strollers. Access with double strollers is not possible.
There is no cloakroom where you can leave strollers. For a more comfortable visit we recommend the use of baby carriers.
There will be no wheelchairs available for visitors.
How do I show my ticket at the entrance?
You can present your ticket in both paper and digital format.
If you have the ticket in paper format, make sure the barcode is clearly legible.
What happens if I arrive late?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to access the exhibition at times other than the time slot selected at the time of purchase and indicated on your ticket. As a precaution we therefore recommend that you arrive 15 minutes earlier than the time slot you have selected.
Is the exhibition suitable for people suffering from epilepsy?
Exposure to certain flashes or flashing lights in certain rooms could trigger seizures or fainting in photosensitive individuals.
Are photographs and videos allowed?
Unfortunately, no photographs or videos of the original works are permitted.
As for other installations and exhibitions, they are permitted but only without flash.
It is prohibited to use photographs or videos of the exhibition for professional use.
We recommend sharing your experience on social media.
Is access to animals allowed?
Animals are not allowed inside the exhibition, with the exception of guide dogs for which it will be necessary to show authorization if requested.
In case of cancellation of the event, how can I request a refund?
In the event that the event is cancelled, you will be contacted at the email address used at the time of purchase with all the necessary information on how to obtain a refund of the tickets.
How can I request an invoice?
The ticket is already a fiscal document, therefore an invoice cannot be issued. For further information or clarifications contact Ticketone Customer Service.
Who can I contact for lost items?
If you have lost an item during your visit, please contact the staff on site.
If the lost item has not yet been found, you can leave your contact details and you will be contacted if it is found.
A production
In collaboration with
In collaboration with
Buy on
Sponsor and Partners
We thank
We thank
We thank
The event supports
Media Partner
info@arteinfinita.it
+39 379 237 0804
P.iva 11565210967
HOURS: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 20:00
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