Ottavio Missoni at MA*GA Gallarate: "Missoni and the Macchina Mago" not

"Missoni and the 'Macchina Mago'" at MA*GA Gallarate

Until April 12, 2026, the MA*GA Museum in Gallarate hosts the exhibition "Missoni and the 'Macchina Mago' 1975-2025" in the Tapestries Room. The show repositions Ottavio Missoni as an author of visual surfaces who translated textile practice into a distinct artistic inquiry.

What to see

The display revisits Missoni's 1975 solo show, offering a focused narrative that highlights the intersection of handwork, machinery and invention. Key elements include:

• original squared-paper studies in coloured marker that reveal the design process;
• knitted fabric samples and tapestries that emphasize material quality and tonal transitions;
• polychrome panels from the early 1970s demonstrating his colour thinking beyond clothing;
• biographical materials, including references to his sporting career, which illuminate connections between body, rhythm and design.

Why visit

The exhibition is valuable because it reframes Missoni as a colour and surface experimenter, offers a compact and readable route for visitors, and presents colour theory in a concrete, visual way. It appeals to audiences interested in fashion history, twentieth-century art, textile design and accessible cultural outings outside Milan.

Practical information

• Where: MA*GA Museum, Tapestries Room (Sala Arazzi Ottavio Missoni), Via Egidio de Magri 1, Gallarate (VA)
• When: until April 12, 2026
• Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 11:00-19:00; Monday closed. Last admission one hour before closing.
• Admission: the Tapestries Room is listed as free entry; check the museum for updates before visiting.

How to get there

• By train: Gallarate is served by regional trains and the S5 commuter line (Varese-Milan-Treviglio).
• By car: reach Gallarate via the Autostrada dei Laghi, exit Gallarate.
• By bus: local lines and connections to the Malpensa area serve the town.

Visitor tips

For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside peak weekend hours. The exhibition suits both a quick overview and a slower, attentive visit in front of studies and textile surfaces to appreciate fine chromatic shifts.

FAQ

• How long is the exhibition open? Until April 12, 2026.
• Where is it located? MA*GA Museum, Tapestries Room, Via Egidio de Magri 1, Gallarate.
• What does the show include? Design studies, knitted textiles, tapestries, polychrome panels and biographical documents.
• Is admission free? The Tapestries Room is indicated as free entry; consult the museum website for any changes.