Located in the charming town of Gallarate, Italy, the Gallarate Art Museum, known locally as Museo Arte Gallarate or MA*GA, stands as a beacon of contemporary and modern art. This cultural gem, with its striking architecture and vast collection, offers visitors a unique journey through the evolution of Italian and international art from the mid-20th century to the present day.
The Gallarate Art Museum's origins date back to 1966 when it was initially known as the Civic Gallery of Modern Art of Gallarate. It was established following the acquisitions from the National Visual Arts Prize City of Gallarate, which was founded in 1949 and remains active today. The museum underwent a significant transformation in 2009 when it came under the management of the Silvio Zanella Foundation for Modern and Contemporary Art, with founding partners including the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities and the Municipality of Gallarate. The museum reopened in March 2010 in a new architectural complex spanning 5,000 square meters, housing an impressive collection of over 5,500 works of art.
The Gallarate Art Museum boasts a diverse and extensive collection that includes paintings, sculptures, installations, artist books, photographs, design objects, and graphic works. These pieces provide visitors with a comprehensive panorama of the main artistic trends from the mid-20th century to the present day, with a particular emphasis on contemporary international research.
The exhibition path is organized chronologically and thematically around three fundamental nuclei: Italian art from the 1920s to the 1950s, the various expressions of informal painting and spatialist research, and the developments in art from the 1970s to the present day. The museum frequently renews its displays through rotating exhibitions that delve deeper into the themes of temporary shows.
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The Gallarate Art Museum's collection features works by some of the most renowned artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Notable names include Carlo Ramous, Carlo Carrà, Cesare Berlingeri, Mario Sironi, Mario Bardi, Renato Guttuso, Ernesto Treccani, Emilio Vedova, Ennio Morlotti, Giuseppe Santomaso, Afro Basaldella, Ferdinando Chevrier, Atanasio Soldati, Enrico Prampolini, Bruno Munari, Fausto Melotti, Lucio Fontana, Dadamaino, Gianni Colombo, Piero Gilardi, Studio Azzurro, Enrica Borghi, Adrian Paci, Ottonella Mocellin and Nicola Pellegrini, Chiara Dynys, Bianco-Valente, and Alice Cattaneo. The museum's dynamic collection continues to grow with new acquisitions, including works by Massimo Bartolini, Marcello Simonetta, Alessandra Spranzi, Moira Ricci, and Antonio Del Donno.
Among the museum's notable pieces are Atanasio Soldati's Self-portrait (1930), Mario Sironi's Alpine and Ship (1939), Ennio Morlotti's Peace (1949), Emilio Vedova's The bump (1949), and Lucio Fontana's Spatial concept (1960). These works, along with many others, offer a rich and multifaceted view of the artistic movements and innovations that have shaped modern and contemporary art.
The Gallarate Art Museum is not only a repository of art but also a vibrant center for cultural activities. It hosts a rich program of temporary exhibitions dedicated to various aspects of artistic research. The museum has consistently pursued two main directions: the historical-critical reinterpretation of the 20th century through exhibitions highlighting significant authors and paths from the recent past, and the support of current research to continuously update the museum's heritage.
Recent notable exhibitions include retrospectives on Amedeo Modigliani and Alberto Giacometti, as well as shows focusing on contemporary international art, such as those dedicated to Marcelì Antunez Roca and Carsten Nicolai. The museum also engages in interdisciplinary events that blend visual arts with music, theater, and dance, fostering a rich environment for artistic exploration and exchange.
The Gallarate Art Museum's educational department, established in 1998, plays a crucial role in bringing art closer to the public, especially school groups. The department offers a wide range of activities, including workshops, introductory courses to contemporary art, specialist conferences, and thematic debates. These initiatives are designed to cater to different age groups and audiences, ensuring that the museum's educational outreach is as inclusive and comprehensive as possible.
In addition to school programs, the department organizes university internships, cultural trips, and special projects, welcoming over 10,000 visitors annually. The core of all these activities is the relationship with the artwork and the meaningful experiences it generates in everyday life.
In conclusion, the Gallarate Art Museum is much more than a gallery; it is a dynamic cultural hub that celebrates the past, present, and future of art. Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the museum offers a captivating and enriching experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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