Month: February 2023

The exhibition “Baroque Elegances. Isabelle de Borchgrave in the Casa Museo” set up at the Casa Museo Zani (via Fantasina 8) in Cellatica and open until 30 April 2023. A unique event organized as part of Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023 and which combines elegance and charm bringing in Franciacorta some of the most enchanting and at the same time curious creations of the Belgian artist.

Art and fashion in the eighteenth century on display in Franciacorta

The initiative allows you to immerse yourself in an interesting journey through eighteenth-century art and fashion seen through the eyes and hands of Isabelle de Borchgrave, one of the most fascinating contemporary artists. To tell us about it, five magnificent sculpture dresses made entirely of paper and cut, folded, painted, ruffled and pleated by her until they transform into authentic masterpieces with a look of brocade, satin, lace to pay homage to the eighteenth-century style.

Gli splendidi manufatti sono per la prima volta posti in dialogo con lo straordinario patrimonio della Casa Museo, dove a fare da sfondo troviamo i quadri di Boucher, Canaletto, Guardi e gli eccezionali arredi che compongono il patrimonio permanente, per un risultato che rievoca i fasti del secolo “illuminato” riportandoci alle corti di Madame de Pompadour e di Maria Antonietta.

These are the five sculpture dresses, with relative locations within the museum and the fashion accessories that accompany them:

• • Room dedicated to Canaletto: white and blue robe à la française and two pairs of rococo-style shoes, with circular buckle and upper embellished with floral embroidery
  • Temporary exhibition hall: robe à la française with large side baskets, a great novelty of French rococo with an incredible soft silk effect
  • Salon of the Octagon: robe à la polonaise, probably informal walking dress, supported by a back tournure
  • Wardrobe of the House Museum: tribute to the Orient with the colored Kimono that communicates with the doors of the Chinese screen in coromandel lacquer (mid-17th century)
  • Camera del Ridotto: Venetian robe supported by panier and where the paper is treated as corduroy.

The result is a constant and silent presence that gives further value to the exhibition itinerary of the House Museum, whose permanent collection is mainly focused on the themes of Venice and France of the eighteenth century, the Orient and Baroque Rome.

Isabelle de Borchgrave, the Belgian inspiration lands in Franciacorta

Isabelle de Borchgrave (1946, Brussels) is the contemporary artist famous in particular for her painting works and the creation of paper sculpture dresses. With experience in fashion, advertising and interior design, since 1994 she has mostly dedicated herself to the creation of paper costumes for museum exhibitions, giving rise to spectacular exhibitions including Papiers à la Mode.

To find out more visit the official site of Isabelle de Borchgrave.

Exhibition “Baroque elegance. Isabelle de Borchgrave in the House Museum”: information for the visit

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Friday 9-13 and Saturday and Sunday 10-17.

Access to the House Museum and the exhibition is allowed only with a guided tour by reservation. To reserve your seat: www.fondazionezani.com – [email protected] – +39 030 2520479. We also recommend a visit to the wonderful Italian garden of over three thousand square meters, where sculptures, fountains, architectural elements and cultures blend with nature and with a unique collection of water lilies and aquatic plants.

Do you want to know our accommodation, stay and food and wine proposals in the heart of Franciacorta, a few km from Casa Museo Zani? Contact us!

The much-awaited moment has arrived: the inauguration ceremony in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano has officially declared the start of Bergamo Brescia, Italian Capital of Culture 2023, and many extraordinary events are already available to the public!

An initiative that fills us with pride and of which we feel fully part of… or rather, double part, being geographically located halfway between the two cities. And right here, in the heart and tranquility of Franciacorta, we can perceive the “good vibes” coming from the two cities and the many art and cultural opportunities already underway both in the city centers and in their respective provinces.

But how to organize oneself in this special year? Here is the answer to some questions asked by our resort customers.

Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023: frequently asked questions and answers.

1) What does Italian Capital of Culture mean?

Established in 2014, the Italian Capital of Culture project aims to enhance cultural heritage, social cohesion, and the autonomous capacity for organization and implementation of the cities involved, leading to growth in tourism and investment. It shares the same goals as the European Capital of Culture initiative, managed by the European Commission and launched in 1985.

These are the titles of Italian Capitals of Culture so far:

• 2015 – Cagliari, Lecce, Perugia, Ravenna, and Siena
• 2016 – Mantova
• 2017 – Pistoia
• 2018 – Palermo
• 2020/21 – Parma
• 2022 – Procida
• 2023 – Bergamo and Brescia

In 2024, it will be Pesaro’s turn.

2) Why was Bergamo and Brescia nominated as a single Capital?

The appointment of Bergamo and Brescia as a “single” Capital has a meaning of relaunch and rebirth after the difficult pandemic experience of 2019, which saw the two cities among the first and most severely affected by Covid-19.

3) What actually happens this year?

The year of the Capital features dozens of events that will animate the two cities and provinces throughout 2023, with long-awaited events – such as the reopening of the Leonessa d’Italia Risorgimento Museum in Brescia, closed since 2015 and just re-opened in a brand new version – and a rich schedule of exhibitions, shows, concerts, proposals for children and families that will keep us company until December.

It is very important that many of these events are organized in synergy and in close dialogue between the two cities, such as the exhibition “Lotto, Romanino, Moretto, Ceruti. The champions of painting in Brescia and Bergamo“, the Festival of Lights, and, always in combined action and even more so this year, the 60th edition of the Brescia and Bergamo International Piano Festival.

4) Where can I consult the program of events for Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023?

For the occasion, the website bergamobrescia2023.it has been created, where you can find all the information and the constantly updated program of events.

5) Capital of Culture and the culture of food and wine: how to satisfy your palate?

If you love food and good wine… you are definitely in the right place!

Bergamo, Brescia, as well as Lake Iseo, the Valle Camonica, Franciacorta and, on the Bergamo side, the Valle Brembana boast a long tradition of native agri-food products – including a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses – and genuine dishes to which you can match tasty wines.

In the area where we are located, Franciacorta, it is impossible to miss a glass of Franciacorta DOCG, one of the most famous classic method wines in the world, Rovato beef with oil, baked tench of Clusane and casoncelli in the Brescian style. To discover the typical products of Franciacorta, visit the dedicated page on the franciacorta.wine website.

6) Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023: where to stay?

From the valleys – Camonica, Sabbia, Brembana, Imagna to mention a few – to Franciacorta, from Lake Iseo to the city centers, there are many locations for an unforgettable stay in this year of Bergamo Brescia Capital of Italian Culture 2023.

Our advice? Choose a location away from the chaos that allows you to easily reach the two cities and at the same time to enjoy relaxing moments in the open air and surrounded by nature. Here is our proposal!

Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023: The Welcome of Cappuccini Resort

Located exactly halfway between Bergamo and Brescia, in the charm of Franciacorta at the foot of Monte Orfano, where nature becomes more lush and a short distance from the most renowned Franciacorta DOCG wine cellars, our resort is one of the most sought-after destinations for a regenerating break, with the best comfort.

From the 14 rooms, including 4 suites, of the 4-star Charm Hotel, preserving the enchantment of the ancient rooms of the friars, to the restaurant embellished by the proposals of the San Francesco cuisine; from the SPA located in the former convent gatehouse, to the cloister and terrace from which to enjoy magnificent sunsets; from the walk that leads to the remains of the ancient Roman tower, to the outdoor pool ideal for an aperitif in company, up to the “Marco well” with an excellent selection of Franciacorta DOCG and Champagne, everything in our resort is designed to meet the needs of the guest and studied with meticulous attention to detail and full respect for privacy.

For any information and to book your relaxing escape, please contact us without obligation.