Soncino, Italy: A Hidden Gem for Contemporary Art Lovers

View of the Filanda complex in Socino Italy. Courtesy Ilka Scobie.
View of the Filanda complex in Socino Italy. Courtesy Ilka Scobie.

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In a small town in Lombardy, Italy, a new exhibition will explore the ever-evolving dialogue between Italian and American artists. FILANDA: ART AM 4, which opens on August 24, 2023, features works by over three dozen artists, including Ugo Rondinone, Chris Martin, Elisabetta Zangrand, and Tamara Gonzalez.

The exhibition is curated by artist Luigi Cazzaniga and poet Ilka Scobie, who have spent summers in Soncino for many years. Cazzaniga has shown in the Sonciono Biennial, and Scobie is also a contemporary art critic.

Giardino delle Meraviglie (Garden of Wonders) 2023. Acrylic on wood 50 cm x 60 cm. Courtesy of the artist Elisabetta Zangrandi.Acrylic on wood 19.6 in x 23.6 in (50 cm x 60 cm). Courtesy ofthe artist Elisabetta Zangrandi.
Giardino delle Meraviglie (Garden of Wonders) 2023. Acrylic on wood 50 cm x 60 cm. Courtesy of the artist Elisabetta Zangrandi.Acrylic on wood 19.6 in x 23.6 in (50 cm x 60 cm). Courtesy ofthe artist Elisabetta Zangrandi.

The works in FILANDA: ART AM 4 are diverse in style and media, but they all share a sense of energy. The exhibition also features several local artists working with recycled textiles, hand-forged metal, and traditional painting techniques.

These artists embody Soncino’s rich history and culture. Art can reveal how people from different backgrounds can find common ground. FILANDA: ART AM 4 is a thought-provoking and visually stunning exhibition that offers a unique perspective on the art of dialogue. It is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art.

Spazio Soncino, Filanda Complex | Via Iv Novembre, 15, Soncino, Lombardy, Italy

Soncino Travel Tips

Soncino is a small town in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, known for its history and culture. The town is home to several museums, including the Soncino Museo di Stampa, which houses a collection of prints and drawings. Soncino is also a center for creativity in art and craft.

The exhibition will be on view at Spazio Soncino at the Filanda Complex in Soncino from August 24 to September 20, 2023. If you will be in northern Italy before the exhibition ends, below are travel suggestions.

When planning your trip, be sure to book your accommodations and transportation in advance.

Things To Do

Soncino Museo di Stampa: This museum houses a collection of prints and drawings from the 15th to the 20th centuries. On view through October 1st is a Piero Manzoni solo exhibition, Relation (Im)possible, in celebration of a Soncino son.

Castello di Soncino: This castle was built in the 13th century and is now a museum.

Piazza del Popolo: This square is the heart of Soncino and is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Lombardy Wine Map
Lombardy Wine Map

Wine Tastings & Tours: Soncino is right in the heart of the Lombardy Wine Region. Consider the wineries you want to explore when picking your accommodations.

Places to Stay

Bes Hotel Cremona Soncino is a hotel located in town. Explore the hotel map below if you are more interested in a rustic stay.

How to Get There

There is no train to Soncino, so you will need to rent or hire a car. Driving, Soncino is 1.5 hours from Milan and 2.5 hours from Venice. GetTransfer offers multiple size options from economy to minibus. You can see their options here.

Milan is a great place to start your trip. It is a major city with a lot to offer visitors, including world-class museums, art galleries, and restaurants.

You can take a day trip from Milan to Bergamo, a beautiful city with a medieval center. Another day trip option is Lake Como, a stunning lake surrounded by mountains. If you have more time, you can also visit other cities in northern Italy, such as Venice, Verona, and Turin.

Galleries in Milan & Venice

The Find Contemporary Art by Joelle McTigue map is an ongoing list of galleries and art spaces showing interesting contemporary artists. Whether you are flying into Milan or Venice, there are exciting galleries and work to see.

My top Venice picks are Victoria Miro and Galleria Alberta Pane. In Milan, Galleria Massimo De Carlo, Gió Marconi, Kaufmann Repetto, and Cassina Projects are the must-see spaces.

Cracco: A Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Milan

Make sure to set aside time to visit Cracco in Milan. Soncino is about 1.5 hours driving from the city.

Cracco is a Michelin-starred restaurant run by chef Carlo Cracco, one of the country’s most acclaimed chefs. The restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, which is based on traditional Italian ingredients.

Cracco is located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a famous shopping arcade in Milan. The 19th-century shopping mall is located in Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. It is four stories tall and is sometimes referred to as “il salotto di Milano” (Milan’s drawing room). The Galleria is renowned for housing some of Milan’s oldest stores and eateries.

The menu at Cracco changes seasonally, but it always features dishes that showcase the best of Italian cuisine. Some of the signature dishes include the risotto with black truffles, the roasted squab with foie gras, and the chocolate soufflé.

Cracco is a must-visit for any foodie visiting Milan. The food is simply outstanding, and the service is second to none. The dining room at Cracco is elegant and sophisticated. The tables are spaced well apart, and the lighting is subdued.

Photo by Federico Di Dio photography

What to expect:

  • Dinner for two at Cracco will typically cost around €200.
  • The required dress code is smart casual.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

I highly recommend Cracco to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience.

“Cracco is a truly special dining experience. The food is innovative and delicious, and the service is impeccable. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a memorable meal.” – Frommer’s reviewer

“Cracco is one of the best restaurants in Milan. The food is simply outstanding, and the service is second to none. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a truly special dining experience.” – La Cucina Italiana reviewer

Cracco | The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Zone 1 of Milan, Italy

Photo by Ozgu Ozden

Stay Connected

If you will need to stay connected or use a lot of data while in Italy, you may consider using an eSIM. It eliminates the need to find a local SIM when you arrive and the need to check your international phone plan. Airalo has a good range of options in Italy.

Airalo: iPhone App | Airalo: Website

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