Villa Carlotta merges botanical heritage with contemporary art on Lake Como
Villa Carlotta, a historic 17th-century estate located in Tremezzina, Italy, is combining its renowned botanical garden with modern artistic expressions. Originally constructed by the Marchesi Clerici and later acquired by Princess Carlotta of Prussia, the villa showcases neoclassical masterpieces from artists such as Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Francesco Hayez's 'L'ultimo bacio dato a Giulietta da Romeo'. The expansive 8-hectare garden, which draws more than 350,000 visitors each year, boasts 150 varieties of azaleas and unique trees. Upcoming initiatives include Maria Dompè's 'To the women who are not allowed to fulfill their dreams!' (2025) and the exhibition 'Saluti da Villa Carlotta'. Additionally, 7 hectares of woodland, including an olive grove and picnic area, have been revitalized with 1.5 million euros from PNRR funds.
Key facts
- Villa Carlotta is a 17th-century villa in Tremezzina on Lake Como's western shore.
- Built by the Marchesi Clerici, later owned by Princess Carlotta of Prussia.
- The villa houses works by Canova, Thorvaldsen, and Hayez.
- The 8-hectare botanical garden has over 150 azalea varieties and 35 bamboo species.
- Over 350,000 visitors annually, mostly foreign.
- Maria Dompè's permanent installation 'To the women who are not allowed to fulfill their dreams!' (2025) is a circular labyrinth.
- Past exhibitions include Arienti, Frangi, and the Cattelani Collection (Beuys, LeWitt, Man Ray, Ono, Gilbert & George).
- Current exhibition 'Saluti da Villa Carlotta' shows over 400 historical postcards.
- PNRR funds of 1.5 million euros restored 7 hectares of woodland with olive grove, orchard, and vegetable gardens.
- Produce from the gardens is used in the villa's Bistrot.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Canova
- Bertel Thorvaldsen
- Francesco Hayez
- Maria Dompè
- Stefano Arienti
- Giovanni Frangi
- Joseph Beuys
- Sol LeWitt
- Man Ray
- Yoko Ono
- Gilbert & George
- Carlotta di Prussia
Institutions
- Villa Carlotta
- Marchesi Clerici
- Cattelani Collection
- Bistrot della Villa
Locations
- Tremezzina
- Lago di Como
- Italy
Sources
- Artslife —