Padua, a city rich in history and culture, just 12 km from our hotel, is currently hosting three must-see exhibitions that will captivate art enthusiasts and more.

From Yoko Ono’s olive trees of peace to Walt Disney’s timeless masterpieces, and the revolutionary drawings of Matisse and Picasso, each exhibition offers a unique journey through creativity, emotion, and reflection. Let’s explore them together.

Yoko Ono: “Ex It” at Palazzo della Ragione

Until January 6, the heart of Padua is hosting a site-specific installation by the iconic artist Yoko Ono. “Ex It”, which has been exhibited in prestigious international museums, finds the perfect setting in Palazzo della Ragione to convey its powerful metaphor on the resilience of life. The installation is composed of 100 wooden coffins, from which olive trees emerge, symbolizing regeneration and vitality.

This work invites us to reflect on the tragedy of death and life’s ability to renew itself. The olive tree, an ancient emblem of peace, becomes the protagonist of a universal message of hope. All within the evocative setting of the frescoed Salone, offering an ideal context to immerse oneself in this touching artistic experience.

“Disney: the art of telling timeless stories” at Centro San Gaetano

For lovers of cinema and storytelling, until February 23, 2025, Padua is hosting an unmissable exhibition at Centro San Gaetano: “Disney: The Art of Telling Timeless Stories”.

Here, the enchanted world of Walt Disney comes to life through preparatory sketches, drawings, and archival documents that reveal the secrets behind some of the most beloved films of all time.

The exhibition explores the roots of Disney’s stories, connecting them to myths, medieval legends, and classic fairy tales that are part of the world’s cultural heritage.

It’s a journey through characters and settings that have shaped the childhood of generations, offering visitors the chance to rediscover the art of storytelling that speaks to everyone.

Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and Mirò at Palazzo Zabarella

Lastly, one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year is held at Palazzo Zabarella, where you can admire 130 works by some of the greatest masters of the 20th century. The exhibition, curated in collaboration with the Musée de Grenoble, is a true journey into modern art.

“Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Mirò. Masterpieces of Drawing from the Musée de Grenoble” offers a unique opportunity to explore the expressive language of drawing in all its forms.

From the delicate pencils of Modigliani to the innovative collages of Mirò, the exhibition celebrates graphic art in all its diversity. Not only the giants of art, but also artists like Bonnard, Vuillard, and Chagall enrich the exhibition, providing a complete overview of the artistic avant-gardes of the 20th century.

Palazzo Zabarella thus becomes a place of discovery, where each work on display tells the story of the search for new forms and the evolution of the artistic movements of the past century. A visit that allows you to capture the intimate and spontaneous side of the creative process of these great artists.

A journey through art and culture in Padua

These three exhibitions offer an extraordinary cultural experience. From Yoko Ono’s conceptual installation, speaking to the collective conscience, to the fascinating exploration of Disney’s fairy tales, and the modern masterpieces of the drawing greats, Padua confirms itself as an unmissable art destination.

If you’re looking for a few days filled with culture, don’t miss these unique exhibitions!