Museo Barca Lariana in Pianello del Lario has prepared a packed October programme featuring creativity, local history, solidarity and innovation. From 17 to 31 October 2026, five events for children and adults will offer visitors a chance to enjoy new cultural experiences, culminating in a special immersive evening dedicated to the history of Lake Como.
As autumn arrives, Museo Barca Lariana in Pianello del Lario is getting ready to welcome visitors with a series of events designed for all ages. From creative workshops and storytelling sessions to charity initiatives and multimedia experiences, October offers plenty of opportunities to discover the museum in a different, more interactive way.
The events will take place from 17 to 31 October 2026, bringing together art, nature, tradition and new technologies. The programme celebrates the cultural heritage of Lake Como while creating opportunities for families, children and culture enthusiasts to come together, learn and explore.
17 October: Botanical Impressions, a creative workshop for children
The first event takes place on Saturday, 17 October at 2 pm, with Impronte Botaniche (Botanical Impressions), a workshop for children marking the return of creative activities after the summer break.
During the afternoon, children will discover the fascinating world of cyanotype printing, an early photographic technique that produces distinctive blue-toned images. Using natural materials, participants will experiment with a creative process that combines art, botany and an appreciation of nature.
The workshop offers children the opportunity to explore an unusual artistic technique while encouraging curiosity and imagination. A complimentary afternoon snack will be provided at the end of the activity.
Admission is free, but registration is required. The event is organised by the Municipality of Pianello del Lario.
For information and bookings, contact WhatsApp +39 329 7431415 or email info@museobarcalariana.it.
18 October: Traces of Memory, an afternoon of stories and personal memories
On Sunday, 18 October at 4 pm, the museum will host Tracce di memoria (Traces of Memory), a seminar dedicated to autobiographical storytelling and rediscovering personal memories.
Through photographs, objects, music and readings, participants will be encouraged to recall meaningful moments, people and places from their lives. The aim is to create a welcoming space for listening and sharing, where individual experiences can become stories worth preserving and passing on.
The seminar is open to everyone, and no previous writing experience is required.
The event is part of the project Giovani e anziani raccontano la storia, le tradizioni e il lavoro del territorio tra lago e monti (Young and Old Share the History, Traditions and Work of the Region Between Lake and Mountains), an initiative promoting dialogue between generations and the preservation of local traditions.
Places are limited and advance booking is required. For information, email info@assoeco.it.
24–25 October: the Il Cerino Fair Trade Market
On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, from 10 am to 6 pm, Museo Barca Lariana will once again host the traditional fair trade market organised by the Il Cerino association.
Run by volunteers, the association supports international solidarity and cooperation projects in Albania, Bosnia, Eritrea, Haiti and Sudan.
The market offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the association’s work and contribute directly to its projects by purchasing fair trade products.
This year, the event will also feature a multimedia photography exhibition curated by Paolo Guarneri and Matteo Raineri, offering an additional opportunity for reflection and discovery.
A special meeting will take place on Sunday, 25 October at 3 pm, when visitors will have the chance to meet Father Paggi and Paolo Guarneri, hear their stories and learn more about the experiences behind the association’s charitable initiatives.
Admission to the market and related events is free.
31 October: Little Eyes, Big Landscapes
On Saturday, 31 October at 2 pm, creativity returns with Piccoli sguardi, grandi paesaggi (Little Eyes, Big Landscapes), a children’s workshop dedicated to creating a large collaborative painting.
Participants will make their own special colours using plants and then work together to paint an imaginary landscape, creating a scene somewhere between reality and fantasy.
The activity encourages teamwork, artistic experimentation and the discovery of the creative possibilities offered by natural materials.
The workshop will also mark the end of the museum’s 2026 creative activities programme.
To celebrate everything achieved throughout the year, a collective exhibition of the children’s artwork will be organised, giving families the opportunity to admire their creations.
A complimentary snack will be offered to children and parents at the end of the activity.
Admission is free, but registration is required. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Pianello del Lario, the local library and the Pro Loco association.
Bookings can be made via WhatsApp at +39 329 7431415 or by emailing info@museobarcalariana.it.
31 October: Landscapes Come Back to Life, between history and artificial intelligence
The month’s programme will conclude on Saturday, 31 October at 9 pm with Paesaggi che tornano a vivere (Landscapes Come Back to Life), a special immersive experience combining history, light and artificial intelligence.
For the occasion, the museum will be transformed into an atmospheric setting, with its galleries plunged into darkness and illuminated by subtle touches of colour.
In this unusual environment, visitors will discover experimental AI-generated videos that bring historical photographs of Lake Como’s landscapes to life.
Archival images will tell stories of the past through movement: sails filling with wind, boats crossing the lake and landscapes seemingly awakening after a century.
It is an innovative way to explore the history and cultural heritage of the region, bringing together historical photography and contemporary technology.
The event, promoted by Ville e Musei del Lago di Como, will conclude with a toast to mark the end of the season.
Admission costs €15. Places are limited and advance booking is required.
To reserve a place, contact WhatsApp +39 329 7431415 or email info@museobarcalariana.it.
An October full of experiences at Museo Barca Lariana
The October programme once again highlights Museo Barca Lariana as a place for discovery and shared experiences, where the preservation of Lake Como’s boating heritage goes hand in hand with new cultural activities.
From children’s workshops and storytelling sessions to charity initiatives and experiments with artificial intelligence, each event offers a different way to explore the region and connect with its history.
Keep following ComoLake.com to discover more events, cultural activities and experiences to enjoy on Lake Como.
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