MCP Pordenone: Former Food Market Becomes Visual Arts Hub for 2027 Italian Capital of Culture
MCP – Mercati Culturali Pordenone has assumed control of a previously operating fruit and vegetable market located on via delle Caserme, Pordenone, designated as the visual arts hub for the city's Italian Capital of Culture 2027. This initiative, spearheaded by the Casablu association with backing from the municipality and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, commenced in September 2025. It includes two exhibition areas and features the unique photography gallery known as Die Gelbe Wand, characterized by its yellow wall. The programming showcases artists from Japan and German-speaking nations. Gak Yamada's solo exhibition, 'The Cosmic Prayer,' wrapped up in mid-June. MCP will reopen in September with exhibitions related to Pordenonelegge, and the grand opening is scheduled for December, with future plans teased by artistic director Marco Minuz.
Key facts
- MCP occupies the former covered fruit and vegetable market in via delle Caserme, Pordenone.
- MCP is the visual arts venue for Pordenone Capitale italiana della Cultura 2027.
- The project is led by the Casablu association, supported by the Comune and Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia.
- MCP opened in September 2025.
- Two exhibition halls were originally the market's cold storage rooms.
- Die Gelbe Wand (The Yellow Wall) is the photography space and MCP's most recognizable identity.
- The program focuses on artists from German-speaking countries and Japan, often making their Italian or European debut.
- Gak Yamada's 'The Cosmic Prayer' was his first European solo show, concluded mid-June.
- Yamada's work involves physically altering photographs with water, weather, and fire.
- MCP reopens in September with 'Book Look' by Obliquo and a solo show by Elisa Tolentino.
- Residencies include Magnum photographer Olivia Arthur and young Italian photographers and composers.
- Official inauguration of MCP and Die Gelbe Wand is in December.
- Artistic director is Marco Minuz.
- Future projects include a dialogue between a neuroscientist and a photographer, and a concert by a European electronic composer.
Entities
Artists
- Gak Yamada
- Elisa Tolentino
- Olivia Arthur
- Marco Minuz
Institutions
- MCP – Mercati Culturali Pordenone
- Casablu
- Comune di Pordenone
- Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Die Gelbe Wand
- Pordenonelegge
- Obliquo
- Magnum Photos
Locations
- Pordenone
- Italy
- Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Japan
- German-speaking countries
- Europe
Sources
- Artslife —