If you’re planning a trip to Lake Garda this spring, there’s one unmissable stop that combines the charm of medieval history with the vibrant energy of modern Italy. The Rocca di Lonato del Garda, an imposing fortress overlooking the southern basin of Lake Garda, is transformed into the setting for an extraordinary exhibition: “Italia del Miracolo. Art, Design and Advertising 1948–1968”.
A plunge into optimism and style
Forget the dust of traditional museums. This exhibition, drawn from the prestigious collection of the Massimo and Sonia Cirulli Foundation, is an explosion of colour and creativity. It tells the story of an Italy that, between the late 1940s and the 1960s, managed to transform post-war reconstruction into an unstoppable “design-driven happiness”.
As you stroll through the halls of the Rocca, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the works of absolute geniuses such as Bruno Munari, Gio Ponti, Ettore Sottsass and Piero Dorazio. They are the fathers of Made in Italy, the ones who made Italian style iconic throughout the world.
The exhibition itinerary
The exhibition unfolds across three sections that strike a chord with memory and enthusiasm:
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- Childhood Advertising: reassuring and joyful images created to inspire the dreams of a country that wanted to forget the war.
- Italy on the Move: the most ‘glamorous’ section, dedicated to the discovery of leisure time. Imagine day trips in a Fiat 500 or hair blowing in the wind on a Vespa, as depicted in the iconic posters by Barilla and Campari.
- The Genius of Textiles: where art meets fashion, consolidating the aesthetic identity that still makes us unique on the international stage today.
“Seeing the works of masters such as Munari and Ponti interact with the centuries-old walls of our fortress creates a precious bridge between the power of history and a vision of the future,” explains Giovanna Nocivelli, Director of the Rocca.
The Rocca di Lonato, a breathtaking location
Visiting the exhibition also means discovering the Rocca di Lonato, one of the most evocative historic complexes in Northern Italy. With a single ticket costing €6, you can admire the works of art whilst exploring the watchtowers, Guelph battlements and the extensive grounds of the Ugo Da Como Foundation.
The view from here is unrivalled: on clear days, the vista stretches from Desenzano to Sirmione, all the way to the still snow-capped peaks of Monte Baldo. It is the perfect place for those seeking a blend of culture, photography and relaxation.
Useful information for your visit
- When: 26 March to 7 June 2026
- Where: Rocca di Lonato del Garda (BS), Via Rocca 2
- Price: €6 (exhibition + tour of the Rocca).
- Contact: 030 9130060 | www.fondazioneugodacomo.it | info@fondazioneugodacomo.it
- Extra tip: don’t miss a visit to the nearby Casa del Podestà and make the most of the new Events Pavilion, a stylish designer glass house surrounded by greenery.
Enjoy your visit, dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza
