Villa Panza

Tucked away on top of the Biumo Hill in Varese is Villa Panza, an 18th-century villa with a restaurant, incredible gardens, and a contemporary museum containing permanent works by the legendary Californian artist James Turrell (among others). There is something unique about these classic structures holding space for 20th-century American thinkers, many of whom deliberately abandon the canvas in order to invite the viewer to experience the work with all of the senses.

(Above) James Turrell, 1974

(Above) James Turrell, Lunette, 1974

(Above) James Turrell, Sky Space I, 1974

Do not miss: Maria Nordman, Varese Room, 1976

It’s easy to walk right past it, so be sure to read the information outside each door on the ground level. This masterpiece cannot be photographed (and even if it could, you wouldn’t want to) because the interior is the “emotional condition” of the viewer, as explained by the artist.

Temporarily suspended from time, space, and physical stimuli, standing inside the dark room we are presented with a rare and precious gift—a quiet moment to journey within and connect with the self, the spirit, and the senses.

What I Was Wearing

Since it was late August, but slightly rainy, I threw my Scarpetta Tunic over a miniskirt and crop top.

Visit the Villa Panza website here

Piazza Litta, 1, Varese VA 21100