Mike Bongiorno, an exhibition about his life. Also in attendance at the opening were Jerry Scotti, Fazio, Venere, and Baral (who spins the Wheel of Fortune again).

Only Mike is able to bring Rai and Mediaset together with “joy” at the same table. The exhibition, presented on Monday 16 and open to the public on Tuesday 17 at Palazzo Reale in Milan, is dedicated to the life and career of the king of competitions. On the centenary of his birth, the exhibition “Mike Bongiorno 1924 – 2024” dedicated to the great presenter, protagonist of the history of television, was inaugurated and, frankly, would have smiled to see his next poster to Monk’s cry. At the opening ceremony on Monday evening there were already many people and also present were Gerry Scotti, Fabio Fazio, Mara Venere, Paola Barali and many friends who shared moments of life and entertainment with Mike.

“Until now, Mike has always been remembered as a TV guy and a family man. This show is instead a corporate celebration of Mike. “I cried when I heard the words of President Mattarella, who confided to us a few days ago at the Quirinale that he always saw Mike on TV. I really think that this exhibition puts him completely in history.” Words of love and appreciation from Daniela Zuccoli, Mike’s wife, Who, with his children and many others, created this exhibition. His son Nicolò adds: “This exhibition – explains Nicolò Buongiorno, Mike’s son – “is an opportunity to celebrate my father’s life on the centenary of his birth, which took place in 1924. An extraordinary life path, which he witnessed throughout his life.” Sixty years in the homes of Italians from north to south and which still sees him loved and present in the hearts of many people today. Even the great poet Alda Merini remembered him in a beautiful poem that recalls his great heart.”

The exhibition tells the story of Bongiorno’s beginnings as an immigrant, Back to Italy, prison, first successes, a great career between Rai, Mediaset and Sky. We wander between black and white photos, the “Rischiatutto” booths (you can also take a photo inside the booth, with headphones), films and interviews. Drowning in memories. Wandering through the rooms of the exhibition are Sabina Ciuffini, the historic butler of Rischiatutto, and the No of Rischiatutto, Ludovico Peregrini, who worked with him for 40 years.

Greetings also came from Pier Silvio Berlusconi, CEO of Mediaset: “Mike Bongiorno represented Italian know-how, contributing to the growth and transformation of our country. He was not just an innovator, he was a pillar of television history and a pioneer of commercial television. I remember the wonderful evenings we spent working together,” he adds. “He was exactly as the audience saw him on TV.”