Vincenzo Vela Museum
Description
In the mid-19th century the artist had a country house built for him to live and work in, at his native village. In a specially created hall, Vincenzo Vela regularly showed his works to a wide public of Swiss and Italian art lovers.
In fulfilment of his father's wishes, in 1892 Spartaco Vela bequeathed the property to the Confederation. The museum was inaugurated in 1898.
Besides numerous original plaster casts, models and drawings of works by Vincenzo Vela, the museum contains a few sculptures by his brother Lorenzo (1812-1897) and paintings, drawings and ceramics by his son Spartaco (1854-1895). Also outstanding among the collections are paintings and prints by Lombard and Piedmontese artist friends of the Vela family.
The renovation and restrucœuring of the building was carried out by the architect, Mario Botta.
The Vincenzo Vela Park is part of the Gardens of Switzerland network, which brings togheter the most beautiful gardens of Switzerland.
The Vincenzo Vela Museum is part of the Network Musei d'arte Mendrisiotto (MAM).
Opening Hours
The Museum is open during the following holidays
1st May
Whit Monday
1st August
15th August