Luzzati. Pathways into the Nineteenth Century

Casa Luzzati continues its exploration of the Master’s artistic legacy with Luzzati. Pathways into the Nineteenth Century. More than an exhibition, it is a story brought to life. Conceived as an original educational and exhibition experience, it unfolds as an immersive journey through the many facets of Emanuele Luzzati’s artistic production, placing his work within the cultural landscape of the nineteenth century. Organised around thematic sections, the exhibition highlights the connections between Luzzati’s creations and the literary, theatrical and musical worlds that inspired them. Alongside Luzzati’s works, visitors will discover drawings by Guido Crepax, Emanuele Luzzati’s contemporaries Sergio Costantini and Max Huber? Wait no Iliprandi etc— Actually need avoid inventing. Better: drawings by Guido Crepax, Costantini, Iliprandi and Andrea Pazienza, a tribute to Andrea Rauch, and the remarkable illustrations created by Francesco Gonin for The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi). From illustrations for the Grimm fairy tales to maquettes for Rossini’s operas, from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to Pinocchio, the nineteenth century is presented through a vibrant and theatrical narrative enriched by hands-on workshops for children and artist-led activities. A multidisciplinary experience in dialogue with both the city of Genoa and its visitors.

Promoted by the Lele Luzzati Foundation in collaboration with the Municipality of Genoa, the exhibition forms part of the Genoa and the Nineteenth Century programme, celebrating the city’s deep connection with the nineteenth century through exhibitions, events and initiatives dedicated to art, music, literature and history.

“Luzzati. Pathways into the Nineteenth Century already invites us to set out on a journey, to move, to explore, and to look through eyes enchanted by the magical lantern of Lele Luzzati’s colours and forms, following the unfolding of the stories and events that shaped one of the most fertile and transformative centuries in history.” 
Giacomo Montanari, Councillor for Culture, Municipality of Genoa

On view at Casa Luzzati. Free admission. Extended until 27 September 2026.

Poster.pdf

Luzzati. The Fantastic Middle Ages at the Castle

Luzzati. The Fantastic Middle Ages at the Castle marks the reopening of the Castello dei Fieschi in Varese Ligurefollowing its restoration. The exhibition creates a dialogue between the imposing medieval fortress and the poetic universe of Emanuele (Lele) Luzzati, where castles, towers, harbours and fortified cities become the settings for human adventure, suspended between history, theatre and imagination. As Luzzati wrote, “The city is an extraordinarily rich book of stories and memories.” The exhibition opens that book through works shaped by paper, colour, collage and invention.
Among the highlights is The War of Serrazzana, an illustrated narrative inspired by a fifteenth-century text recounting the conflicts between Genoa and Tuscany—a theme closely connected to the history of the Castello dei Fieschi, which for centuries stood as a strategic stronghold in a Liguria marked by shifting borders, alliances and rivalries.
Alongside the historical narrative, the exhibition embraces the realm of fantasy. Orlando Innamorato, legendary knights, puppets, marionettes and fantastical characters populate the castle’s rooms together with Luzzati’s celebrated theatrical figures, transforming the historic interiors into a vibrant and poetic stage.

Information
Luzzati. The Fantastic Middle Ages at the Castle
Castello dei Fieschi, Varese Ligure
30 May – 30 August 2026

Full price: €10
Free admission for children up to 10 years old
Children and teenagers up to 15 years: €3
Reduced admission:
More than two visitors: €6
Over 65: €5
Groups: 30% discount
Contacts: [email protected] – Tel. +39 393 215 5653