Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto

About the museum

Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto was founded in 1998 by the artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, a leading figure of Arte Povera. It is based in Biella, in the former Lanificio Trombetta, a nineteenth-century industrial heritage complex on the Cervo stream protected by the Ministero della Cultura (Ministry of Culture). The foundation is a recognised non-profit body supported by the Piedmont Region.

The project is a laboratory of creative research that joins art and social life: the work is organised in sectors called “Uffizi”, each devoted to the relationship between art and an area of society, such as ecology, economy, politics, education or fashion. Over the year the foundation presents exhibitions, educational programmes, film screenings, performances, concerts and festivals.

The visit route includes the Opificio, with three exhibition floors overlooking the central courtyard, and the permanent collection of Pistoletto's works, ranging from the Porte – Uffizi in the attic to the Venere degli stracci, passing through the Quadri specchianti, Divisione e Moltiplicazione and Segno Arte. In a second former factory near the courtyard is the Sede del Terzo Paradiso, the official seat of the symbol devised by the artist, with the testimonies of the Terzo Paradiso embassies around the world.

Highlights

• Permanent collection of works by Michelangelo Pistoletto, from the Porte – Uffizi to the Venere degli stracci
• Quadri specchianti and works from the Divisione e Moltiplicazione series
• Sede del Terzo Paradiso, freely visitable every day
• Opificio with three exhibition floors overlooking the courtyard of the former mill
• Guided tour included in the ticket

Permanent exhibitions

• Collezione permanente di Michelangelo Pistoletto – Works by the artist from the Porte – Uffizi in the attic to the Venere degli stracci, with the Quadri specchianti, Divisione e Moltiplicazione and Segno Arte.
• Sede del Terzo Paradiso – Former factory next to the courtyard, official seat of the Terzo Paradiso symbol, with testimonies from the embassies around the world; freely visitable every day.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Fondazione Pistoletto (ente senza scopo di lucro)

Visitors per year

approx. 2,750

Admission & discounts

The full ticket covers the temporary exhibitions, the permanent collection and the architectural site. A surcharge applies to weekday visits (information: visita@cittadellarte.it). Admission is also free for holders of the Torino Musei card or an ICOM membership card, journalists with a press card and other categories specified by the foundation.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

Between the car park and the ticket office there is a gravel courtyard, which is more demanding for people with mobility difficulties; it is possible to drive into the courtyard. In the exhibition spaces a lift serves the floors up to the third. Dogs are admitted on a lead; for large breeds, access to some spaces may be limited. Information: +39 015 897 1064 or info@cittadellarte.it.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car: A4 motorway, exit Carisio or Santhià. In the inner courtyard there is an electric bicycle charging point.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Bistrot Le Arti (restaurant and café, Monday–Friday 9:00–17:30, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00) and a Bookshop/Store with products linked to Cittadellarte, the Terzo Paradiso and Pistoletto's work.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit