Ua little guitar, a red nose, a foot that stumbles artfully. And a laughing child. Doctors Sogni have been bringing lightness to the pediatric departments of Italian hospitals for over 30 years. They do this thanks to specific training and constant psychological counseling provided by the Theodora Foundation. Today these special artists look after the healthy part of many small patients in 47 pediatric departments of 14 hospitals in 10 Italian cities. Theodora’s Picniccreated by Giovanna Ferrero Ventimiglia and Lucrezia Borromeo, is the solidarity event organized every year to support them. A day in the open air, which has the patronage of the Municipality of Milan, in which participants will be able to lie down on the lawn and enjoy an experience designed for all ages, concretely contributing to the Foundation’s mission.
The Theodora Picnic is back, to help Doctor Dreams who give smiles to children in hospital
Saturday 9 May 2026, from 11.30am to 4.00pm, the Gardens of Villa Reale, in via Palestro in Milan, will therefore be transformed into an oasis of taste, creativity and solidarity. The protagonist of the day will be an elegant picnic lunch by COVA Montenapoleone, accompanied by artisanal ice creams from Crema Alta Gelateria and a selection of beers, bubbles and coffee curated by Garden House. A gourmet experience designed for adults and children, to be enjoyed in the open air between relaxation and conviviality.
There will be no shortage of activities dedicated to families: from the creative workshops by FILA Group – Matite Giotto to the gaming experiences with Geomag, up to the baby space curated by Kikolle Lab. To complete the program, the design installations designed for the little ones by Molteni&C and Vitra, for a perfect mix between aesthetics and play. To participate, just click on the Theodora Foundation websiteselecting the number of tickets (they cost 40 euros for adults, 20 for children).
The Theodora Picnic, a solidarity event organized by the Foundation every year (Theodora Foundation)
Bubble shows and solidarity
Among the highlights, the Polo Bear photo shoot by Ralph Lauren promises iconic shots. And the creative and theatrical workshops by Theodora – including “Family Lexicon” with Doctor Soap Opera and Doctor Garibaldi. Then there will be the giant bubble and dancing show with Doctor Cluney, for audiences of all ages. To make the experience more exclusive, the launch of the “Pic-Nic Set” signed by My Style Bags and My Style Home, together with a special free goodie bag for each participating family.
The true heart of the initiative obviously remains his solidarity value: participating in Theodora’s picnic means concretely contributing to providing moments of light-heartedness to children hospitalized, bringing them comfort and smiles in difficult times.
Who are Doctor Dreams, soul of Picnic Theodora
The Dream Doctors, the soul of the project, are professional artists – actors, mimes and performers – specially trained to operate in pediatric departments.
Their intervention focuses on the child’s emotional sphere, through individual visits, pre- and post-operative support, activities in the pediatric hospice and in neonatal departments. A delicate and precious job, supported by continuous training and constant psychological supervision, to guarantee high quality interventions.
A commitment also recognized at an institutional level: in 2018 the Municipality of Milan awarded the Theodora Foundation the Ambrogino d’Ororewarding his concrete contribution to the well-being of the little ones.