Mellone Art Prize 2026: flight as artistic research

The third edition of the Mellone Art Prize, organized by the Fondazione Villoresi Poggi in collaboration with Independent Artists, collected 140 submissions exploring the theme The Art of Flight. Inspired by engineer Gianni Caproni, the prize invites artists to reflect on flight as a projective, imaginative and symbolic dimension.

Selection, finalists and awards

The jury, chaired by Andrea Ciresola and including curators, critics and collectors, selected 40 works shown at Villa Brentano and ten finalists presented at the National Museum of Science and Technology. The top three received acquisition prizes totaling €10,000 (5,000 / 3,000 / 2,000).

• First prize: Angelo Demitri Morandini – "Quello con Timina, il volo più bello della vita"
• Second prize: Luca Freschi – "After Dark"
• Third prize: Danilo Torre – "Collure#4 TakeOFF"
• Caproni Prize: Stefano Bressani – "Flying Caproni" (awarded with the Associazione Museo Aeronautico Caproni)

When and where to see the works

The ten finalists are on display in the Sala Cenacolo of the National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci" from 16 to 18 May 2026. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 18 May at 18:00.

A selection of the awarded works will also join the collection of the Associazione Museo Aeronautico Caproni and will be exhibited at Volandia starting on 6 June 2026.

Why visit

The exhibition showcases varied approaches to flight: playful pieces, intimate or nostalgic works, and more dramatic or surreal interpretations. It offers a contemporary perspective on the intersection of technology, history and creative vision.

Practical information

• Venue: Sala Cenacolo, National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci" (final exhibition)
• Final exhibition dates: 16–18 May 2026
• Awards ceremony: 18 May 2026, 18:00
• Selection at Volandia: from 6 June 2026

Visitors are advised to check museum opening hours and access rules before planning their visit.