What could one of the founders of Dadaism, Hans Jean Arp, possibly have been doing within the walls of a castle of mediaeval origin? With some of his rare works of art, Arp is one of the protagonists of Luzzana’s contemporary art collection, born from the donation made by the sculptor Alberto Meli and his painter wife, Ester Gaini. They have left their town a great artistic heritage in the rooms of Castello Giovannelli, in the heart of this charming medieval village in Val Cavallina.
Over 220 works are displayed in the museum and donated to the municipality by the artist couple. Ester Gaini Meli‘s paintings are at the side of Alberto Meli‘s numerous sculptures, which form the heart of the museum, and dialogue with the works of his master Hans Jean Arp, a French sculptor, engraver, and poet, who espoused the ironic and eccentric ideas of the Dada movement, to whom Alberto Meli was an assistant in Locarno for over eight years. Also on exhibition are works by Hans Richter, Jacob Probst, and Italo Valenti, other leading exponents of the Dada movement.
Of particular note is the recently acquired and spectacular installation The Tree of Life: a series of crucifixes created by Alberto Meli, who chose with his wife to leave his life’s work to his hometown.
Not to be missed is the room dedicated to Giosuè Meli, a sculptor from Luzzano in the 19th century, who sculpted the spectacular rock sculpture Il Gigante (The Giant) in 1840, not far from the museum.
In the spaces of the castle, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Luzzana – Gaini Meli Donation hosts numerous temporary exhibitions as interdisciplinary events, such as the Culture Festival that enlivens the village every year.
Free admission
OPENING HOURS:
– Wednesday 2 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
– Saturday 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
– Sunday 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Last entry one hour before closing time.
Other days by reservation only.
Guided visits available on request in English, Spanish and German.
Promotional material by the Association Friends of the Luzzana Museum.
