Casa d’Arte Futurista Depero: The Dream of a Revolutionary Artist

In Rovereto, in the province of Trento, lies a truly unique place: the Casa d’Arte Futurista Depero. It is not merely a museum, but the result of the visionary idea of the Futurist artist Fortunato Depero, who conceived it as an authentic “house of total art.” The museum, the only one of its kind in Italy, opened to the public in 1959—two years before the artist’s death—and today is part of the MART – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto.

A Creative Workshop Beyond the Canvas

What makes the Casa d’Arte Depero so special is that it represents a true manifesto of Futurism. Depero did not limit himself to painting; he applied his creative philosophy to every aspect of life. The museum displays works that go far beyond traditional art forms:

• Paintings and Sculptures: Visitors can admire Depero’s most celebrated works, from large canvases to his signature “plastic paintings” made of fabric, which express his unique style and his exploration of dynamism and movement.
• Furniture and Design: Depero was a pioneer of modern design. The museum exhibits chairs, tables, and decorative panels that transform everyday objects into true Futurist artworks.
• Graphic Art and Advertising: A communication and advertising genius, Depero created iconic posters and designs for companies such as Campari, which have become milestones in Italian graphic design history.
• Theatre and Costume: His innovative spirit extended to the stage, with costume sketches and set designs that reveal his vision of a total art involving every sphere of human creativity.

Experience and Historical Context

A visit to the Casa d’Arte Futurista Depero offers a unique perspective on the Futurist movement, which Depero interpreted with a playful, colorful, and ironic spirit. The exhibition path is a dive into the 20th century, allowing visitors to grasp not only Depero’s greatness but also the artistic and intellectual excitement of an era of great transformation. The house-museum itself is a work of art, with decorated walls, inlays, and original panels reflecting the artist’s exuberant personality.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Portici, 38068 Rovereto (TN)
• Website: www.mart.tn.it/casa-d-arte-futurista-depero
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through the MART website. Prices and available discounts (for students, families, seniors 65+) are listed online. Sometimes, admission to the MART in Rovereto also includes entry to the Casa d’Arte Depero.
• Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Casa d’Arte Futurista Depero is an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to discover an art that is vibrant, unconventional, and strikingly modern—an art that continues to inspire and amaze.

Cover photo credits: Claudio Coddone, Google Maps