Autumn is the perfect time to organize a day trip dedicated to art and design! Here are some ideas that we have selected for you, collecting a calendar of unmissable events for art, architecture and design enthusiasts. In this article we will guide you through five exhibitions in Italy to visit between October and December, with practical advice on what to see in the cities that host them. A perfect mix for a weekend or a day trip that will enrich you and let you breathe in the beauty of our country!
1.“I am a dragon. The true story of Alessandro Mendini” – Triennale di Milano
When: October 25, 2024 - January 14, 2025
Where: Triennale di Milano, Milan
The Triennale di Milano pays homage to one of the great masters of Italian design, Alessandro Mendini, with a retrospective that celebrates his artistic influence. The exhibition, curated by Fulvio Irace, explores the contaminations between art, design and architecture, highlighting the imaginative and irreverent approach of Mendini, known for his iconic "Proust Armchair". A colorful and creative installation designed by Pierre Charpin takes visitors on a journey through the designer's aesthetic universe, where irony, kitsch and Dadaist influences blend into unique works.
Practical tip: The Triennale is located near the beautiful Parco Sempione. After visiting the exhibition, enjoy a relaxing walk in the park and visit the nearby Castello Sforzesco, one of Milan's most iconic monuments.
2. "Ettore Sottsass: Architecture, Landscapes, Ruins" – Milan Triennale
When: October 4, 2024 - April 13, 2025
Where: Triennale di Milano, Milan
This exhibition celebrates the revolutionary vision of Ettore Sottsass, an Italian architect, photographer and designer, exploring his architectural projects and sketches, with a focus on imagined architecture, landscapes and ruins. Curated by Marco Sammicheli, the exhibition offers an in-depth look at Sottsass's poetics, highlighting his ties to the Memphis movement and his reflections on living. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in drawings and sketches that tell the story of the evolution of contemporary design. The works are also accompanied by excerpts from his 1992 text "Rovine", which offer further reflections on the creative process and the idea that "the part you inhabit is more important than the part you see.
Practical advice: After visiting the exhibition, take advantage of the central location of the Triennale and pop into the Cenacolo Vinciano to admire Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, one of the most famous works in the world.
3. “Hyperdesign” – XXVII National Visual Arts Award City of Gallarate
When: October 13, 2024 - March 2, 2025
Where: MA*GA, Gallarate
Curated by Chiara Alessi, "Hyperdesign" highlights contemporary Italian design with a focus on current issues such as ecological transition and the relationship with technology. The exhibition explores the changes in the world of design from 2000 to today, offering a unique opportunity to discover new trends and young talents. A must for those interested in understanding how design is evolving in response to modern challenges.
Practical tip: Gallarate is easily accessible from Milan. After visiting MA*GA, take a short drive to Varese to explore the Sacro Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a breathtaking view of the Lombardy lakes.
4. Julio Le Parc Retrospective – Palazzo delle Papesse, Siena
When: September 13, 2024 - March 16, 2025
Where: Palazzo delle Papesse, Siena
The reopening of Palazzo delle Papesse in Siena is celebrated with a major retrospective dedicated to Argentine artist Julio Le Parc, known for his kinetic and perceptive works. This interactive exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience, with installations that play with light and movement, creating hypnotic visual effects. Le Parc, a pioneer of kinetic art, profoundly influenced the birth of Op Art, and his works offer a unique sensorial experience.
Practical advice: After exploring the works of Le Parc, do not miss the opportunity to visit the historic center of Siena, with its splendid Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, one of the most extraordinary examples of Gothic architecture in Italy.
5. "Helen Frankenthaler. Painting without Rules" – Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
When: September 27 - January 26, 2025
Where: Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
Palazzo Strozzi hosts an unmissable exhibition dedicated to Helen Frankenthaler, a key figure in Abstract Expressionism. With her innovative approach to painting, Frankenthaler revolutionized the art world, influencing generations of artists. The exhibition compares her work with that of other masters such as Pollock and Rothko, offering a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of 20th-century abstract art.
Practical advice: If you still have time, don't miss the exhibition "Beyond the city: utopias and reality from Le Corbusier to Gerhard Richter", hosted at Villa Bardini. This exhibition brings architecture and art into dialogue, exploring the theme of the city through the utopian visions of great masters such as Le Corbusier and the contemporary reflections of artists such as Gerhard Richter. After admiring the works, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence from the garden of the villa.
From Alessandro Mendini's postmodern explorations to Ettore Sottsass's poetry of "ruins", through Julio Le Parc's reflections on the future of Italian design and the sensorial experiences of Helen Frankenthaler's bold abstraction, each exhibition offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in fascinating creative worlds. And don't forget that each city that hosts these exhibitions is a treasure waiting to be discovered!
Article by: Emilia Gistri
