Cover Photo: Domingo Zapata

The city art museum of Ravenna, also known as Museo d’Arte Della Città di Ravenna is a growing art community since the late 16th and early 17th century. In 2002, the gallery became one of the main enterprises of the Municipality.

The numerous sections of the museum host seasonal art exhibitions and three permanent collections, namely:

• The collection of contemporary mosaic art from the mid-twentieth century to the very latest artworks of the present day.
• The collection of modern paintings from the 19th century and early 21st century.
• The collection of ancient paintings and sculptures from the 14^th up to the 19^th century.

In Today’s article, I’ll take another trip to Italy’s most admired art museum in Ravenna to experience an art form of several modes and fresh episodes.

Perceived as a world legacy by UNESCO, Ravenna the city of mosaic craftsmanship is also a mid-section of history and culture of the highest order with ancient origins and a glorious past. Although, I’ve always found it hard to write about a museum before paying a visit, but the illustrious contemporary mosaics of Ravenna are literally impossible to overlook!

Visitors immediately learn that these contemporary works are the result of a brilliant initiative by Professor Giuseppe Bovini. Archaeology lecturer at the University of Bologna, Bovini wanted to endorse the refined practice of Ravenna’s mosaicists, by relating it to contemporary art. His project had been involved as a total rearrangement in the ground floor of the Loggia Lombardesca where these artworks are living today.

This breathtaking collection of mosaics marks an extraordinary value, unique, exciting and colorful masterpieces reversed from artworks by the greatest Italian artists of the 20^th century such as Guttuso, Vedova, Campigli, Birolli, Africani, Cagli, Paladino.

The “Exhibition of Modern Mosaics” was inaugurated in 1959 and, due to the high quality of the works and the prestigious artists, is considered one of the most illustrious examples of contemporary mosaic art today!This permanent mosaic exhibition was not just a tribute to the medium. Instead, it was meant to preserve and showcase the innovative version of mosaic art today. Home to some of the world’s most priceless mosaic artworks, Ravenna is more than just a warden or conservator of Byzantine mosaic treasures. This city is quickly becoming an international cultural center for contemporary and innovative mosaic visions!

The first international mosaic included in the Museum’s permanent collection of contemporary mosaics was “Depthfinder”. In 2013, Sonia King’s mosaic has been acquired by the Museo d’Arte Della città di Ravenna. Her mosaics have been also featured prominently during several editions of the international Biennal of modern mosaics in Ravenna, Italy.

Last but not least, the contributing role of contemporary mosaic art in a Ravenna is without a doubt, a very significant form of expression that promotes a positive outlook within any generation. It is an essential facet of a resourceful development that creates a healthier productivity and innovation throughout the city of craftsmanship!

Photos Credits: Museo d’Arte Della città di Ravenna

Cover Photo: Domingo Zapata

A chance encounter in Ravenna led Zapata to several large-scale mosaic works appearing in his exhibition: “Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Pallazo da Mula Morosini on the Grand Canal during Venice’s 55th Annual Biennale.

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Enjoyed this article? You may also want to read: Mosaic Designs: Journey To the Heart of Tuscany or Mosaic Art: A VISIT TO THE CITY OF FOG