Until January 6, 2025, the Benetton Foundation for Studies and Research will host the photographic exhibition ‘Italy, Garden of the World: Where Nature Meets Art, Craft, and Design’ at Palazzo Bomben in Treviso, Italy. This is the first Italian stop of an international travelling exhibition dedicated to the heritage of classical and contemporary Italian gardens. Organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the initiative aims to promote Italy’s cultural treasures on a global stage.

A Celebration of Italian Creativity
Curated by Sabina Minutillo Turtur and Renato Fontana, the project benefits from the expertise of a scholarly committee specializing in garden history and landscape architecture. Contributors include academics from institutions such as the École Nationale Supérieure de Paysage in Versailles, the Polytechnic University of Turin, and the IUAV University of Venice.

The exhibition is supported by partnerships with the Association of Italian Parks and Gardens, the Italian National Trust (FAI), and Great Italian Gardens. Its mission is to highlight Italy’s living monuments — gardens — as a dynamic expression of art, history, and environmental stewardship.

An Immersive Experience
Rather than adhering to a chronological or regional narrative, the exhibition unfolds around seven thematic pillars: the relationship with landscapes, design principles, water, botanical research, interaction with the arts, social dimensions, and craftsmanship. Each theme provides a lens through which to appreciate the enduring creativity and technical expertise that have shaped Italian gardens, contributing to the broader European cultural heritage.

Visitors are invited to journey from Renaissance-era Tuscan and Roman gardens to modern public parks and private estates, exploring how Italian garden traditions have evolved while preserving their artistry and ecological importance.

Pioneers of Landscape Architecture
The exhibition pays tribute to influential figures like Pietro Porcinai (1910–1986), whose modern interpretations of Italy’s rich garden heritage fused ecology, innovation, and social values. Another highlight is Maria Teresa Parpagliolo (1903–1974), one of Italy’s first female landscape architects, who championed the synergy between aesthetic appeal and environmental functionality.

Enhancing the Experience
In addition to the visual display, this edition of the exhibition at the Benetton Foundation includes a curated collection of books and archival documents about Italian gardens. Michele Tobia, an architect and former research fellow at the foundation, has selected materials from the foundation’s extensive library to provide further insights into the topic.

Accompanied by a publication featuring scholarly essays, historical imagery, and contemporary photography, the exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Italy’s garden heritage. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open on Fridays from 3 PM to 7 PM and on weekends from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM.