Villa Bagatti Valsecchi – Varedo (MB)
From May 9 to 11, 2025, the spotlight returns to sculpture as the ninth edition of Milano Scultura opens its doors at the majestic Villa Bagatti Valsecchi in Varedo (MB), just outside Milan. This prestigious event stands out on the national and international art scene as the only Italian fair entirely devoted to the world of three-dimensional artistic expression. More than just an exhibition, Milano Scultura is a curated journey through the diverse languages and materials of contemporary art.
Curated by Ilaria Centola and art critic Valerio Dehò, this year’s edition will feature approximately thirty carefully selected art galleries, each showcasing original sculptural works that challenge traditional definitions and embrace innovation. From marble and bronze to ceramics, mixed media, and reclaimed materials, the variety of techniques and concepts on display highlights the evolving nature of sculpture as a medium—one that continues to redefine space, form, and meaning.
One of the defining features of Milano Scultura is its non-traditional format. Unlike conventional art fairs, the event does away with individual booths. Instead, it is designed as a single, immersive exhibition that encourages visitors to experience the artworks in dialogue—not only with one another, but with the architectural and natural beauty of the Villa itself. This site-specific approach creates a dynamic tension between contemporary sculpture and the neoclassical and eclectic architecture of the 18th-century residence, inviting new interpretations and emotional responses.
Curator Valerio Dehò notes, “The spirit of sculpture lies not in absolutes but in continuous interaction—with space, with architecture, with the environment. Villa Bagatti Valsecchi provides a rich and varied setting that challenges artists to rethink their work in relation to its surroundings.”
The result is a striking visual and conceptual contrast that enhances the power and presence of each artwork. Visitors can expect an engaging journey through large-scale installations, intimate pieces, site-specific interventions, and public art projects—each chosen to reflect the multifaceted identity of contemporary sculpture.
Max Papeschi, Pyonyang Playground, 2016, tecnica mista, 400x400x400 cm
Special Projects That Enrich the Experience
This year’s program includes two major special projects, each offering a deeper look into the personal worlds of influential contemporary sculptors:
“Afthonia”, a retrospective exhibition dedicated to Matteo Lo Greco, brings together fifteen significant works from the 1980s to today. Lo Greco’s artistic language is rooted in the classical tradition but transformed through a contemporary lens. His use of the ancient lost-wax casting technique breathes life into female figures that are at once timeless and modern—celebrating strength, sensuality, and self-awareness with a touch of irony.
Matteo Lo Greco, “La seduta sul filo”, bronzo, 85 cm
A dedicated focus on Henri Beaufour presents a selection of small- and medium-scale works that exemplify the artist’s unique take on “baroque expressionism.”
These intimate pieces channel raw emotion and vivid form, inviting viewers into a more personal, introspective space without losing the artist’s characteristic intensity and energy.
Henri Beaufour, “La mano”, 2022, marmo
A Space for Discovery and Dialogue
Beyond the exhibition itself, Milano Scultura 2025 also includes performances, talks, and opportunities for dialogue between artists, curators, collectors, and the public. This blend of fair and curated project makes the event especially appealing not only to professionals in the art world, but also to enthusiasts who are eager to explore how sculpture continues to shape the discourse of contemporary art.
A printed catalogue, published by NFC Edizioni and featuring critical texts by Valerio Dehò, will accompany the event—offering insight into the conceptual underpinnings of the works and their relevance within today’s sculptural practice.
For art galleries, Milano Scultura provides a rare and powerful platform to present work in a highly curated, immersive environment—one that prioritizes context, curation, and quality over commercial spectacle. It is an ideal venue for galleries committed to pushing the boundaries of sculptural language and connecting with an audience that values depth, experimentation, and craftsmanship.
Milano Scultura 2025 is not just an art event—it’s a celebration of the endless possibilities of sculpture, a conversation between past and present, and a vital meeting point for voices in the ever-evolving world of contemporary art. Whether you’re a collector, curator, artist, or simply passionate about three-dimensional creativity, this is an experience not to be missed.
Martina Antonioni, SENO #2, 2021,
gesso, acrilico e bomboletta spray su agrume, 5x4, 5x3 cm
