In Lendinara the exhibition “Tales from the world at Palace Malmignati”
The only private collection dedicated to rare vintage hats, clothes and accessories of peoples from the 5 continents
In the splendid Palazzo Malmignati in Lendinara, in the province of Rovigo, on display the only private Italian collection dedicated to original and precious period clothing and accessories of peoples and ethnic groups from the 5 continents curated by Martina Barison.
The location is exceptional, Palazzo Malmignati di Lendinara, a splendid period residence dating back to the 16th century, as is the exhibition that displays one of the most original and sought-after collections of clothing and accessories in Italy.
From 09 May to 1 June 2025, the exhibition “Racconti dal mondo a Palazzo” showcases fashion, art, anthropology and travel with an unprecedented display of headdresses, crests, masks, accessories, period and tribal clothing, set up in a historic location where container and content enrich each other.
History is, strictly speaking, the study of questions; the study of answers belongs to anthropology and sociology.
(WH Auden)
Palazzo Malmignati, restored to its former glory thanks to the dedication of the Travaglini family, was initially built in 1528 by the noble Malmignati family, originally from Ferrara, and then expanded in the early 18th century at the height of the family’s power, awarded the title of Conti Palatini, the highest honor that the Supreme Pontiff could bestow outside the borders of the Papal State.
The exhibition displays over 200 objects, selected from the 500 in the collection by curator Martina Barison, who has been in charge of the collection since 2018, a hotel school teacher and an expert in anthropology.
The exhibition offers an exciting journey around the world to discover cultures, traditions and languages, telling stories of peoples who touch on fascinating themes such as animism and shamanism, imperialism and the Beliefs in the world, the union of the human being with the Divine and Nature.
Themes that can be explored by booking a guided tour that can also be conducted with the curator Martina Barison.
The collection “Da ogni capo del mondo”, unique in Italy, was started over 30 years ago and is the result of passion, research and evolution in the discovery of the anthropological traditions of the 5 continents, a selection that has been enriched over the years with precious pieces thanks to a network of important international antique dealers and art dealers.
Many rare pieces are on display, giving an example for each continent: in Europe the cardinal’s hat of Pope John XXIII when he was apostolic nuncio in France, in the Americas two very rare tiaras made of Ara Macao parrot feathers of the Kayapó people of the Amazon, in Asia the headdress of a Maharaja with a precious zardosi workmanship, a weave of gold and silver threads on a velvet base, in Africa a pair of crests, a man’s and woman’s headdress of the Punu people of Gabon in wood and kaolin from 1930, and in Oceania a headdress and a necklace of the Asmat people of New Guinea.
On Fridays the doors of the palace open from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, while on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
The exhibition ticket also allows you to visit the beautiful Palace, the garden, its rooms and period furnishings, the artistic masterpieces it houses, including paintings by the master Sebastiano Ricci, Domenico Maria Canuti and Pietro Paltronieri.
And on Saturday, May 31, don’t miss the evening event “Stories in music – observing, listening, reflecting“, where the art dealer Giano Del Bufalo, brother of Diana Del Bufalo and famous face of the Cash or Trash program, will be a guest.
The evening, starting at 7 pm with mandatory reservation, includes a visit to the exhibition and the historic Palazzo, enriching the journey through the flavors and tasting of dishes from around the world and listening to readings and stories written by the curator of the exhibition Martina Barison and performed by the actor Andrea Zanforlin with music by the composer and pianist Nicola Elias Rigato together with Dario Castiello, expert percussionist.
The Secret
The cardinal’s hat of Pope John XXIII was donated by his secretary Monsignor Capovilla in 2000. This episode, seen as an important auspicious sign, started the growth of the collection towards the acquisition of increasingly precious pieces.
Useful Info
Collezione Da Ogni Capo del Mondo
Riviera San Biagio 53
45026 Lendinara, Rovigo
Tel. +39 328 441 1774
Info & bookings mb.martinabarison@gmail.com | +39 320 9286241
Entrance: 10 euro, including a visit to the Palace and its garden
Guided tours: 10 euro, for groups contact the organizers
