Bisazza Foundation
In Montecchio Maggiore, a dream world completely dedicated to mosaics and its greatest world artists
Founded in 2012 by the Bisazza family, owners of the eponymous leading glass mosaic company, the Foundation houses a permanent collection of mosaic works and installations created by international designers and architects.
The Bisazza Foundation for Design and Contemporary Architecture is located in Montecchio Maggiore, near Vicenza, famous for the two Castles of Romeo and Juliet located on the hills. The Foundation’s history starts from an entrepreneurial challenge, launched in the 50s by Renato Bisazza when he began producing glass mosaic, becoming, over time, one of the most important Italian luxury and design brand, working with artists and international designers to creatively interpret the mosaic technique and its applications.
In 2012, the same year of his death, the family decided to open the Foundation to collect and share this huge heritage of artworks. With an area of 7,500 square meters, the Foundation houses a rich permanent collection that includes works and installations by major designers.
Among site-specific installations, such as the evocative reflection on time and space by Richard Meier, the “RockChamber” by Arik Levy, or “1:1” by the English architect John Pawson, the exhibition includes experimental works and objects. Among the many, the reinterpretation of Mendini’s iconic Proust armchair, entirely covered with polychrome tiles, or his “furniture for men” that transforms iconic elements of male’s fashion into unusual oversized golden objects.
Among projects by Patricia Urquiola, Aldo Cibic, Ettore Sottsass, Marcel Wanders, Arik Levy, to name but a few, the Foundation also hosts an area entirely dedicated to architectural photography, realized in 2015. The activity of the Bisazza Foundation includes the organization of talks with designers and temporary exhibitions.
To conclude the experience, we suggest a visit to the excellent wineries of the Berici Hills, an area renowned for the production of red wines and for the magnificent Palladian villas, architectural masterpieces by Andrea Palladio.
The Secret
The designers of Studio Job, creators of the fairytale installation “Silver Ware” which reproduces a precious set of family silverware in a giant format, not having available the silver-colored mosaic tiles, had to opt for 24kt white gold. The result is eight very precious maxi-sculptures that transport the visitor in a luxury version of Alice in Wonderland.
Useful Info
Fondazione Bisazza
Viale Milano 56
36075 Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza
Tel. +39 0444 707690
Free admission (reservation required, subject to availability), guided tours starting from 5 euros
