Spazio Volta Opens in Bergamo Alta: Contemporary Art in a Roman Cistern
In Bergamo Alta, a contemporary art exhibition venue named Spazio Volta has been established within a 13th-century Roman cistern located beneath a former church. The space, designed by Edoardo De Cobelli, an art critic and curator from Bergamo, features a distinctive crescent-shaped window that offers views of a central piazza. The first exhibition, a solo presentation by Mafalda Galessi, took place in October 2020. Following this, the group exhibition "Starry Speculative Night" debuted on June 12, 2021, showcasing works from Francesco Pacelli, Luca Petti, Antonio Gramegna, and bn+BRINANOVARA, and will continue until August. A reading room next door collaborates with the municipal library and REPLICA. Plans are underway for a solo exhibition with ArtVerona and Mattatoio Roma from September to December 2021. De Cobelli serves as the founder and artistic director.
Key facts
- Spazio Volta is a new contemporary art exhibition space in Bergamo Alta.
- The venue is a 13th-century Roman cistern beneath a deconsecrated church.
- Founder and artistic director is Edoardo De Cobelli.
- De Cobelli studied at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Université Sorbonne, and Alma Mater Studiorum.
- The space has a large crescent-shaped window overlooking a main piazza.
- Inaugural exhibition in October 2020 was a solo show by Mafalda Galessi.
- Group show 'Starry Speculative Night' opened June 12, 2021, with Francesco Pacelli, Luca Petti, Antonio Gramegna, and bn+BRINANOVARA.
- A reading room collaborates with the municipal library and REPLICA.
- Funding comes from municipal contribution, private sponsors, and volunteerism.
- An off-site space consists of two arched walls on UNESCO-listed city walls.
- Future plans include a solo show with ArtVerona and Mattatoio Roma from September to December 2021.
- De Cobelli is seeking a curator to share future programming.
Entities
Artists
- Edoardo De Cobelli
- Mafalda Galessi
- Francesco Pacelli
- Luca Petti
- Antonio Gramegna
- bn+BRINANOVARA
Institutions
- Spazio Volta
- Fondazione Converso
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Université Sorbonne
- Alma Mater Studiorum
- REPLICA
- ArtVerona
- Mattatoio Roma
- UNESCO
Locations
- Bergamo Alta
- Bergamo
- Italy
- Milan
- Paris
- France
- Bologna
- Rome