Giacomo Balla at MART Rovereto: a monographic exhibition on 'total art'

Giacomo Balla at MART Rovereto: a monographic exhibition on 'total art'

The MART - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto presents a monographic exhibition dedicated to Giacomo Balla, examining his idea of total art by bringing together paintings, garments and everyday objects.

What to see

The show features more than 200 works from the Fondazione Biagiotti Cigna and the Laura and Lavinia Biagiotti collection. Paintings are displayed alongside furniture, textiles and clothing that demonstrate how Futurist motifs (wedges, vortices, arabesques) were applied to different materials, revealing Balla's practice beyond the canvas.

Curatorial approach

Curated by Beatrice Avanzi and Fabio Benzi, the exhibition is organised around the Biagiotti collections to highlight intersections between art, fashion and design. The layout engages in dialogue with MART's permanent collections and references figures like Fortunato Depero and the broader early 20th-century context.

Practical information

• Dates: 16/05/2026 - 18/10/2026
• Venue: MART - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto, Corso Bettini 43, Rovereto (TN), Italy
• Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 10:00 - 18:00; Friday and Saturday 10:00 - 19:30; Monday closed
• Tickets: Full €15, Reduced €10 (single ticket valid for all MART locations)
• Contacts: Tel. +39 0464 438887, email: [email protected]

Why visit

The exhibition provides a practical reading of the relationship between painting and everyday objects, valuable for specialists and newcomers alike. It clearly shows how Balla's Futurist language influenced design and costume, extending artistic practice into material culture.

Visitor tips

• Allow at least two hours to compare the temporary displays with the permanent collections.
• Check MART's official channels for guided tours, related events or timetable changes before your visit.
• Recommended for those interested in the intersections of art, fashion and design in the early 20th century.