If you had enough of these scorching temperatures and only dream of breezy, chill nights, spending your summer holidays in the Alps might be the best solution for you. And with hiking and mountaineering being one of the biggest trends these days, you have plenty of reasons to choose this alternative to the beach.
But if you don’t want to miss out on cool exhibitions and contemporary art, the place to visit is the Italian Alps and the Dolomites. Sure, you could also opt for Switzerland, with its many wonders, but let me be a true patriot for a moment.
Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Südtirol region, a magical region in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are renowned for their dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and rich cultural heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the Dolomites are the perfect backdrop for all sorts of cultural activities, and many artists both local and international have chosen the area to present their works. And this thriving cultural scene is not only confined to the Dolomites area, as the whole region presents several points of interest for us contemporary art lovers.
From smaller towns to Land Art projects, art festivals, and museums, the whole area of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol is perfect for a relaxing summer break, splitting your time between exhibitions, hikes, spa days and stunning views of some of the most beautiful landscapes you can possibly imagine.
To help you plan your itinerary through the region, here are the best spots to visit for contemporary art on the Dolomites and beyond.
Arte Sella
The first stop coming from the south (or the last one coming from the north) Arte Sella is a unique open-air museum that showcases contemporary art installations harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape of the forest. The park is not exactly located in the Dolomites areas, but its location is perfect nonetheless to enjoy the incredible pairing of stunning views and amazing Land Art installations. The artworks, created by both Italian and international artists, use materials found in nature, promoting a strong connection between art and the environment. Arte Sella’s commitment to sustainability and its ephemeral approach to art make it an inspiring destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Arte Sella
38051 Borgo Valsugana – Trento
Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.artesella.it
MART – Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto
Located in Rovereto, with a branch in Trento as well, MART is an acclaimed museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Not too far from Arte Sella, the museum is the perfect excuse to stop by the region capital of Trento and the nearby town of Rovereto, to soak in the vibes and views. The whole area is rich in castles, churches, and all sorts of artistic attractions, but if you prefer contemporary art, then head straight to MART. Its extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations by prominent Italian and international artists. The museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions and its engaging exhibitions make it a prominent cultural institution in the region.
MART – Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto
Corso Bettini, 43 – Rovereto (Trento)
Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.mart.tn.it
Centrale Fies
Another great spot for contemporary art in the area is Centrale Fies. Located in a hydroelectric plant from the early twentieth century, still partly active, and nestled in the mountains of Trentino, Centrale Fies is an art space that hosts experimental and multidisciplinary projects, with a focus on performance art. The annual festival held at Centrale Fies attracts artists from around the world to present innovative performances and interactive installations. This creative laboratory pushes the boundaries of contemporary art and offers a space for experimentation and collaboration.
At the location there is also a permanent collection, Collezione Fies, launched in 2014, with works borrowed from the performing arts and live practices, curated by Denis Isaia.
Centrale Fies
Loc. Fies 1, Dro – Trento
Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.centralefies.it
Museion Bolzano
If you looking for another big museum, in a stunning contemporary building, located in a nice city, then head north from Trento and visit Bolzano (or Bozen as the locals say). The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and hosts over 4500 works across different mediums and genres. Museion plays a vital role in promoting contemporary art in the heart of the Dolomites and in the city of Bolzano, with a residency program called Casa Atelier and a small space, the Cubo Garutti (Garuttii Cube), the works as a small exhibition public space and urban installation. The museum’s dynamic program features rotating exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives, fostering a dialogue between art, culture, and society.
Museion Bolzano
Piazza Piero Siena, 1 – Bolzano
Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.museion.it
SMACH
The Dolomites area is particularly versed for Land Art, and SMACH is yet another great project for art lovers that want to enjoy art while surrounded by lush nature. Founded in 2012, SMACH is, in fact, a biennial open-air exhibition that represents the combination of “art and nature”, where the latter acts as the display of artistic creations, designed and tailored specifically to various sites. It started from an international art competition that celebrates where the involved artists, staged their works in places of historical and cultural interest in Val Badia. Their artworks have the aim of sparking people’s interest in art and enhancing the area of the Dolomites in which they are immersed.
The project has a permanent collection, Val dl’Ert, from the Ladin Art Valley, an art park located in the town of San Martino in Badia, and the biennial. For 2023, the SMACH Biennale focuses on the theme of “sprouting”. You can visit all the works in the biennale with a suggestive circular route, that will take you four days to complete, staying in three different mountain huts. This is the perfect destination for nature and art lovers.
SMACH
Str. Tor, 65 – San Martin de Tor (Bolzano)
Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.smach.it
Dolomiti Contemporanee
Another great festival for contemporary art in the Dolomites region is Dolomite Contemporanee. The project aims to provide a new interpretation of those marvelous landscapes which would otherwise risk being considered from only a touristic point of view. It uses old abandoned industrial buildings and fills them with new life, through residency, exhibitions, and joint projects with museums and galleries, to create site-specific installations, exhibitions, and cultural events that respond to the landscape’s unique character. With residencies, shows, and activities, Dolomiti Contemporanee is a vital platform for contemporary art in this picturesque mountainous setting.
Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.dolomiticontemporanee.net
Cover image by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash
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