Museo Vincenzo Vela

About the museum

From 1865, the Ticino sculptor Vincenzo Vela (1820–1891) had a villa built in his home village of Ligornetto, which served as a residence, studio and exhibition space all at once. After his death, his son, the painter Spartaco Vela, bequeathed the property together with its collection to the Swiss Confederation. The house has been open to the public since 1898, making it the first museum in Ticino.

The museum is one of the important artists' houses of 19th-century Europe. At its centre is the monumental plaster cast gallery with the models of Vincenzo Vela, complemented by the estates of his brother, the sculptor Lorenzo Vela, and his son Spartaco. There is also a collection of paintings from Lombard and Piedmontese schools, hundreds of drawings and one of the oldest private photograph collections in Switzerland. Portraits of figures of the Risorgimento link Italian and Swiss history.

Between 1997 and 2001 the house underwent a comprehensive renovation under the direction of the architect Mario Botta, the presentation of the collection was reorganised and the park was restored according to its historical model. The museum lies at the foot of Monte San Giorgio, only about 500 metres from the Italian border, and today belongs to the Federal Art Collections under the umbrella of the Federal Office of Culture.

Highlights

• Monumental plaster cast gallery with Vincenzo Vela's models
• Historic villa as a total work of art, renovated by Mario Botta
• Portraits of figures of the Risorgimento
• Early photograph collection and 19th-century painting collection
• Park with an Italian garden and citrus collection

Permanent exhibitions

• Ständige Sammlung in der Villa Vela – The plaster cast gallery with Vincenzo Vela's models, Risorgimento portraits, paintings, drawings and early photographs in the rooms of the former residence.
• Park des Museums – The garden combines Italian and English design and features, among other things, a collection of citrus plants.

Founded

1898

Operated by

Bundesamt für Kultur (BAK), Kunstsammlungen des Bundes

Director

Antonia Nessi

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission every Wednesday.

The price given is for the permanent exhibition alone; the combined ticket with the temporary exhibition costs CHF 12 (reduced CHF 10). Free admission with the Swiss Museum Pass, with Raiffeisen cards (members and Young), ICOM, ICOMOS, AMS, VISARTE, the Swiss Association of Art Historians and the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society; reduced for members of various trade unions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

According to the museum, it is fully accessible and has held the "Kultur inklusiv" label from Pro Infirmis since 2019. People with disabilities drive through the delivery entrance into the park and announce themselves at the intercom; a reserved parking space is located behind the main building. Advance registration by telephone is recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

For some exhibitions there is a free family treasure hunt for children aged 5 to 12. Children's birthday parties take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the studio and the park (maximum 15 children, CHF 200, register on +41 58 481 30 42). The park is ideal for picnics.

Getting there & parking

By car from Lugano, Como and Milan, leave the N2 at Mendrisio and follow the expressway towards Varese-Stabio to the traffic lights, then follow the signs. From Varese, cross the border at Gaggiolo to Stabio and continue following the signs.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Small café on the first floor with hot and cold drinks; in the northern part of the park, picnics with tables and chairs are permitted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Rooms in the villa (around 100 m²) and the park can be rented for presentations, screenings, concerts, conferences and private events; marquees for apéritifs and standing dinners can be set up in the park. Prices on request.

Plan your visit