The Panza collection is a study in contrasts. Old and new, classical and contemporary – the collection’s dichotomies offer an interesting space for the art lover to explore.
The Minimal art collection of Giuseppe Panza is housed in a 17th century villa in Varese, Italy. As one walks through the villa, works by minimal artists David Simpson, Phil Sims, Ruth Ann Fredenthal, Robert Therrien and Max Cole hang in baroque rooms, some of which were designed in the 19th century. Massive crystal chandeliers, patterned marble floors, and frescos from the mid 18th century adorn the rooms of the villa as well as the private family chapel.
The real surprise is the added gallery space built to house the installation by well-known contemporary artists such as James Turrell, Robert Irwin and Dan Flavin. This gallery has the largest collection of continuously exhibited works by Dan Flavin. These artists’ site-specific installations are a tribute to the legacy of Giuseppe Panza, who had the brilliance to recognize how important these works were in the context of mid-20th century contemporary art history.
I suggest buying an exceptional book by Giuseppe Panza, Memoirs of a Collector. It describes Panza’s life and his love affair with America and American art in the most beautiful and elegant way. The book also showcases 37 pages of colorful plates that show the interior and exterior of the villa as well as the garden and fountain. The photographs of the rooms give one a real sense of what an incredible experience it is to visit the Villa.
The Villa also houses a lovely restaurant, Luce, which I would suggest you try. If you would like to explore the old town of Varese, you could eat at Ristorante Teatro near the Duomo. The old town area is charming, offering an array of international boutiques as well as delicious coffee houses for your post-art-viewing enjoyment.
Ristorante Teatro (Closed Tuesdays. Via Carlo Croce, 3, Varese 21100, +39 332 24.11.24)
The Panza Collection (www.visitfai.it/dimore/villapanza, Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am-6 pm. Admission: Adults 8 Euros; Children and Students 3 Euros.)
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Collezione Panza
Piazza Litta, 1
Varese,
Italy
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