The Bisi Family Exhibition at Villa Carlotta: An Artistic Dynasty on Lake Como
From September 20 to December 8, 2025, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina hosted “Ritratto di famiglia. I Bisi, una dinastia di artisti nella Lombardia romantica tra Manzoni, Hayez e la principessa Belgiojoso” (Family Portrait: The Bisi, an Artistic Dynasty in Romantic Lombardy Between Manzoni, Hayez and Princess Belgiojoso).
The Bisi family exhibition at Villa Carlotta featured over 60 paintings from important museums and private collections.
Through these artworks, visitors discovered the history and artistic achievements of one of Italy’s most celebrated 19th-century artistic families.
The Bisi Family Exhibition: Art, History and Romantic Lombardy
The exhibition offered much more than a collection of paintings. Instead, it explored the connections between art, history and society during the Romantic period.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the Bisi family, an important artistic dynasty in 19th-century Lombardy.
In particular, the exhibition highlighted their relationships with influential cultural figures such as Francesco Hayez, Alessandro Manzoni and Princess Cristina Belgiojoso.
Moreover, Villa Carlotta organised a programme of special events and creative workshops for adults and children.
As a result, the exhibition offered an engaging cultural experience for visitors of different ages.
Opening Weekend Events at Villa Carlotta
The opening weekend featured several activities dedicated to art, creativity and discovery.
Autoritratto in scatola (Self-Portrait in a Box)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 11:00 AM
A creative workshop for children aged 6 to 11.
First, participants explored the artworks of the Bisi family. Afterwards, they created small personalised keepsake boxes inspired by the exhibition.
Included in the admission ticket. Advance booking required.
Il salotto di Casa Bisi. Una famiglia di artisti nella Milano romantica (The Bisi Family Salon: An Artistic Family in Romantic Milan)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 2:30 PM
This guided tour introduced adults and art enthusiasts to the history of the Bisi dynasty.
In addition, participants discovered the family’s connections with some of the most important figures of 19th-century Italian culture.
Included in the admission ticket. Advance booking required.
Così vicino, così lontano (So Close, So Far Away)
Sunday, September 21, 2025 – 3:00 PM
A guided experience for children aged 6 to 11, focusing on the landscapes depicted in the Bisi family’s paintings.
After exploring the exhibition, participants created a small theatre inspired by the artworks.
Included in the admission ticket. Advance booking required.
All these activities were part of the Weekend della Rete dell’800 Lombardo, a cultural initiative dedicated to 19th-century art in Lombardy.
Why Visit the Bisi Family Exhibition at Villa Carlotta?
The Bisi family exhibition offered a special opportunity to rediscover 19th-century Lombard art through the work of an influential artistic dynasty.
Furthermore, the exhibition explored the cultural atmosphere of Romantic Lombardy and its connections with important historical figures.
Thanks to the combination of paintings, guided tours and creative workshops, the event appealed to both adults and younger visitors.
Finally, the beautiful setting of Villa Carlotta on Lake Como made the experience even more memorable.
For the complete programme and further information about the exhibition, visit the official website: www.villacarlotta.it.
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