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.

Masterpieces of the 20th Century at Palazzo Zabarella: Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and Mirò

In a previous article, we explored in detail the extraordinary exhibition hosted at Palazzo Zabarella. This historic venue in the heart of the city is showcasing 130 works by some of the most renowned masters of the 20th century.

The exhibition, titled "Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Mirò. Masterpieces of Drawing from the Musée de Grenoble," offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the expressive language of drawing. From Modigliani's delicate pencil sketches to Mirò's revolutionary collages, the exhibit pays tribute to graphic art in all its diversity. Alongside these major names, artists such as Bonnard, Vuillard, and Chagall also stand out, enriching the exhibition with their innovative visions of the 20th-century avant-garde.

Each work tells a story of exploration and experimentation, revealing the most authentic and spontaneous side of these artistic giants' creative processes. It’s a unique journey through new forms and artistic movements that shaped the last century.

Padua: a hub of art and culture

The three exhibitions currently on display in Padua offer an unmissable cultural experience. From Yoko Ono's thought-provoking conceptual installation on collective themes to the enchantment of Disney fairy tales and modern masterpieces of drawing, Padua confirms itself as an essential destination for art lovers.