Casa d'arte futurista Depero

About the museum

The Casa d’Arte Futurista Depero is the only museum founded by a Futurist artist. In 1957 Fortunato Depero, a Futurist artist from Trentino, reached an agreement with the Comune di Rovereto granting him the use of a public building to exhibit his works and keep his archive; in return he left the community some 3,000 objects. The museum opened in 1959, a year before the artist’s death, and was then run by his wife Rosetta before passing to the Comune.

The building, a three-storey palace in the historic centre, formerly a hospice and later the seat of the Banco dei pegni (pawnbroker’s office), was reopened by the Mart in 2009, on the occasion of the centenary of Futurism. The restoration, directed by the architect Renato Rizzi, recovered the original spaces and added two floors; the neighbouring Casa Caden was freed to house the services and reception.

The route presents self-portraits, graphic and editorial works, including the “Libro imbullonato” of 1927, covers and posters from the New York period, decorative panels from the 1950s, inlaid furniture in wood and boxwood, and the large felt tapestries “Il corteo della gran bambola” and “Festa della sedia”. Mosaics, designs for furniture, decorations and displays complete the idea of Futurist art applied to everyday life.

Highlights

• Self-portrait “Diabolicus” (1924–26)
• “Libro imbullonato” of 1927
• Felt tapestries such as “Il corteo della gran bambola” and “Festa della sedia”
• Inlaid furniture in wood and boxwood from the 1930s
• Mosaics and decorative panels designed by Depero himself

Founded

1959

Operated by

Mart – Museo di arte moderna e contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto

Visitors per year

approx. 26,915

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month from October to March.

Also free for school groups with accompanying teachers, members of the Mart Membership, professionals and holders of the Trentino Guest Card. On free-admission days booking is strongly recommended; online purchase includes a booking fee of €1 per person.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift serves the exhibition floors. Guide dogs and small dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Changing table in the toilets on the basement floor.

Getting there & parking

By car from the A22 motorway, exit Rovereto. By bicycle along the Valle dell’Adige south cycle path, exit at km 54 (Borgo Sacco); electric bike sharing is available. Nearest airports: Bolzano and Verona Catullo.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Free cloakroom on the basement floor; large backpacks and umbrellas must be left there, and bags larger than 25×30 cm are not admitted in the rooms. Bookshop at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit