Museo del Clown – Villa Grock
Museum devoted to the art of clowns in the eclectic villa of Adrien Wettach, known as Grock, on the hills of Oneglia in Imperia, with a park and water games.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The villa takes its name from Grock, the stage name of the Swiss clown Adrien Wettach (1880–1959). He was crowned “king of clowns” at the Olympia in Paris in 1919 and was a leading figure on the international stage until his retirement in 1954. Having come to know Imperia in 1920 during a visit to his in-laws, the artist bought a house with land there, initially intended for holidays. The villa that dominates the hill of Oneglia was later built on the site and became his permanent residence until his death.
Grock himself took part directly in the design, drawn up by the technician Armando Brignole. The result was an original residence, described as a “stone circus” because of the many references to the world of the circus in its architectural details, and influenced by the Liberty style and an eclecticism with an Eastern flavour. After years of neglect the villa was acquired by the Province of Imperia in 2002. The park, with fountains, a small lake and a footbridge in Eastern style, had been restored in 2006.
The restoration of the main floors was completed with the opening to the public on 17 January 2010. The second, third and fourth floors house the Museo del Clown, an immersive route devoted to circus professionals and the art of clowning. Since 1 March 2020 the villa and park, which belong to the Province, have been managed by the Comune di Imperia, which also carried out the restoration of the garden's water features.
Highlights
- Immersive museum route on the art of clowns across three floors
- Themed rooms such as the Sala delle meraviglie (Room of Wonders), the Sala del trucco (Make-up Room) and the Sala del circo (Circus Room)
- La giostra magica (The Magic Carousel)
- Villa known as the “stone circus”, decorated with motifs inspired by the circus
- Historic park with fountains, a lake and water games
- Audio guide on the story of Grock and his home
Permanent exhibition
- Percorso museale del Museo del Clown – Immersive route devoted to circus professionals and the art of clowning, spread over three floors of the villa, with themed rooms such as the Sala della musica (Music Room), the Sala del trucco and the Sala del circo.
- Founded
- 2010
- Operated by
- Comune di Imperia
- Visitors per year
- approx. 13,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Children and young people aged 5 to 17, university students, members of FAI and Touring Club, over-65s |
| Children & teens | €7free up to age 4 · Reduced rate for young people aged 5 to 17. |
| Seniors | €7Reduced rate for over-65s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €7Reduced rate for university students. |
| Groups (8+ people) | €7.50 per person€7.50 per person for groups of 8 to 15 people; €7 for groups of more than 15 people. |
| Families | –One adult €7 plus one child aged 5 to 17 at €5.50. |
| Family: adult | €7 |
| Family: child aged 5 to 17 | €5.50 |
Free admission also for journalists and children up to age 4. Tickets can be bought on site, at the other museums in the city network and online via Vivaticket. Debit cards (bancomat) are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it is accessible to people with disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
The route, with rooms such as the Magic Carousel and the Room of Wonders, is designed as an immersive and playful experience. A dedicated ticket is available for families.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Piazza Dante
From Imperia station the villa can be reached on foot, or by bus 30/1 or 30/14 to piazza Dante and then on foot.
By car
Tourist coaches cannot reach the villa. You can drop off at piazza De Negri (outside school hours) or park in piazza Ulisse Calvi, with a short walk.
The villa is at the junction of via Fanny Roncati Carli and via Grock. Shuttle service from piazza Dante at weekends and on public holidays. By car: Imperia Est motorway exit, then the roundabout on via Garessio.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café-bar on the second floor of the villa, open during museum hours.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups and school classes in Italian, English and German are available by reservation, by writing to museiimperia@solidarietaelavoro.it. An audio guide on the story of Grock and his home is available on the website. During visiting hours the number +39 340 495 6218 is active. Dogs are allowed only in the outdoor area of the park. |
