Castello di Thiene unveils new interactive tour by Dotdotdot

The 15th-century Castello di Thiene in Vicenza, Italy, a pre-Palladian villa combining manor and Venetian palace features, has inaugurated a new visitor experience designed by Milan-based studio Dotdotdot. The studio, known for interactive exhibit design at Salone del Mobile 2019 and the Stazione Arte/Scienza project at Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome (2021), created a digital, contemporary narrative integrated into the castle's historic spaces. The tour includes interactive mirrors that activate by proximity, each displaying a floating object symbolizing the room's theme. A voiceover associated with a digitally reconstructed character—based on artworks from the castle's collection—shares anecdotes and curiosities. Topics range from 19th-20th century gaming culture to women's dressing customs, and from horse and rider traditions to stable sale practices. Laura Dellamotta, co-founder and general manager of Dotdotdot, stated that engaging contemporary language and diverse audiences is a key challenge for the cultural sector, and that designing innovative experiences is a strategic curatorial choice to enhance cultural assets.