The Cittadellarte - Pistoletto Foundation
Cittadellarte or "City of Art " is situated in the historical textile centre of Biella along the banks of the Cervo river in a renovated premises of a former wool mill. The Cittàdell'arte - Pistoletto Foundation combines old day charm, which made Biella famous, with the innovation of contemporary art.
Michelangelo Pistoletto, an international artist who was born in Biella, is the creator of the Cittàdell'arte Pistoletto Foundation which was founded in 1994 inside the 19th century Trombetta Wool Mill. Today it is a creative and innovative laboratory of art under the protection of the Ministry of Cultural Assets.
The great luminous spaces of this old factory are home to cultural areas which deal with Art, Education,Ecology, the Economy, Politics, Spirituality, Production, Work, Communication, Architecture, Fashion and Food. They also organize exhibitions, conferences, special events, temporary shows, workshops and multimedia labs.
Each year from June to October they play host to young artists from all over the world who work on a project for responsible change in our society. It is called UNIDEE, a project which is open to all artists who have an interest in exploring the relationship between art and society. Furthermore at Cittàdell'arte it is possible to visit the permanent collection of the work of Michelangelo Pistoletto.
TERME CULTURALI
A brand new layout for an experiential tour of Cittadellarte and the largest existing collection of works by Michelangelo Pistoletto.
Opening hours: From Tuesday to Friday, only upon reservation from 10:00 to 17:00; Saturday and Sunday with guided tours at 11 and 16:30.
Reservations: termeculturali@cittadellarte.it; 331 6676212
THIRD PARADISE PERMANENT SEAT
In via Cernaia 46, along the banks of the river Cervo, a former wool mill now hosts the The Third Paradise Permanent Seat. The Third Paradise, one of the most famous works by Michelangelo Pistoletto, is at the centre of many projects around the world and the symbol Biella Città Creativa Unesco.
Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
CAFETERIA 'AL BISTROT DELLE ARTI'
Inside the building there is also a very nice cafeteria with a traditional vaulted ceiling which welcomes visitors in an informal and friendly atmosphere.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Saturday 10:30 am – 10:00 pm,
Sunday 10:30 am – 6:30 pm
Info and reservations: 335 6558557
HOW TO REACH CITTADELLARTE
- By car: A4 motorway, take the Santhia exit, follow signs for Biella then at the city center follow signs direct to Cittadellarte.
- Cittadellarte is at approximately 2 km from the Biella San Paolo railway station. A frequent city bus connects the town with other villages and with the centre see www.atapspa.it
Location: Biella (Biella and Oropa Valley)