MITA Museum Opens in Brescia for Zaleski Antique Carpet Collection

On October 14, 2023, the Museo Internazionale del Tappeto Antico (MITA) opened in Brescia, Italy, dedicated to the Zaleski collection of antique carpets. The collection, donated to Fondazione Tassara by Romain Zaleski, comprises over 1,300 textile artifacts from the late 15th to early 20th century, originating from Asia, Europe, and Africa. The museum was designed by OBR Open Building Research with Lombardini22, converting a former foundry in just thirteen months. The building features a double-height exhibition hall, multimedia and reading rooms, a restoration laboratory, and a storage facility with innovative climate control. Sustainability measures include reuse of materials and a photovoltaic system. The opening coincides with two related exhibitions: "Intrecci a teatro. Tappeti a preghiera" at Teatro Grande (until October 29) and "I nodi dei giardini del Paradiso" at the castle of Brescia (until November 5). The inaugural show "Masterpieces," curated by Giovanni Valagussa, presents key carpets from the collection. MITA aims to serve as a cultural hub in one of Brescia's youngest and most multicultural neighborhoods, promoting intercultural dialogue through the art of carpet weaving.