PAFF! in Pordenone expands to become International Museum of Comic Art

The PAFF! Palazzo Arti Fumetto Friuli in Pordenone, founded in 2018, is expanding its spaces and establishing a permanent collection, rebranding as the PAFF! International Museum of Comic Art. From March 11, 2023, the museum will offer over 2,200 square meters of exhibition space, housing a permanent collection of more than 200 original works and over 500 sketches, scripts, rare publications, films, costumes, and memorabilia from international public and private collections. The permanent exhibition, curated by artistic director Luca Raffaelli, is divided into nine chapters covering different aspects of comic art across cultures, from early American Sunday supplements to Italian Tex strips, French albums from the late 19th century, and Japanese Tankōbon manga. Special focuses include interactions with cinema and painting. The museum will feature interactive multimedia elements such as touch screens, neckbands, and tablets. The institution, directed by Giulio De Vita, continues its temporary exhibition program, currently presenting 'Strip Art – Sogni e realismo nei primi maestri del fumetto' (until May 21) and 'The Spirit of Will Eisner' (extended until April 16), the most comprehensive exhibition on Eisner ever held in Italy, featuring over 180 original works including The Spirit pages and mature masterpieces.