Borgo Valbelluna: 'Painted Work' at Palazzo delle Contesse — a journey

Overview

Located in the historic centre of Mel, Borgo Valbelluna (BL), Palazzo delle Contesse hosts the exhibition Painted Work, a curated route illustrating the evolution of work and landscapes from the late 19th century through the postwar era. The layout connects artworks to the building’s historic spaces, highlighting local memory and broader social change.

Exhibition route

The show is divided into four clear thematic sections designed to guide visitors:

• Work in the landscape: rural scenes, woodcutters and outdoor activities that reflect a land-based economy;
• Domestic interiors and crafts: home-based labour and trades that have largely disappeared;
• Postwar 20th century: construction sites, urban growth and industrial development that reshaped communities;
• Women’s work: daily labour and representation, often overlooked but central to the narrative.

Artists and approaches

The exhibition brings together artists with varied styles but a shared interest in social reality. Notable names include Mario Sironi, Renato Guttuso, Fortunato Depero, Emilio Vedova, Zoran Mušič and Afro Basaldella. The display mixes figurative painting and modern languages to convey the period’s atmospheres and tensions.

Visitor information

• Venue: Palazzo delle Contesse, Mel – Borgo Valbelluna (BL)
• Open to the public: until 10 May 2026
• Opening hours: Friday 15:00–20:00; Saturday 9:30–12:30 and 15:00–19:00; Sunday 9:30–19:00; special openings: 2 April, 6 April, 1 May
• Tickets: Full €10; Reduced €8/€7; free entry and school rates available
• Guided tours: by reservation, also outside regular hours for groups and schools

This exhibition is a good fit for visitors exploring the Dolomite villages who want a cultural experience linking art and local history. Check opening times and book guided tours in advance, especially for organised groups and school visits.