Ex fabbrica della Magnesia di Angera
Museum | Angera | Lombardia | Italy
The former Magnesia factory in Angera, Lombardy, is a historic industrial building that was once known for the extraction and processing of minerals. Today, it serves as a cultural center and venue for various art exhibitions and cultural activities.
History and significance:
The Magnesia factory was established at the beginning of the 20th century and played a significant role in the local economy of Angera and its surroundings. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company experienced a period of growth and provided jobs to many residents. In the 1990s, the factory was taken over by the Belgian multinational Solvay and eventually closed down. Today, the building is owned by private entrepreneurs and has been transformed into a cultural center.
Cultural use:
Under the direction of the artist and sculptor Cosimo Damiano Latorre, the former factory canteen was converted into an exhibition space called "Alla Soara". This space serves as a "House of Art" and hosts various art exhibitions, including sculptures made of olive wood and other works by local artists. The exhibitions are often interactive, allowing visitors to touch and experience the artworks. An example of such an exhibition is "Itinerario Tattile", which took place in 2022 and allowed visitors to explore the artworks with their eyes closed.
Current events:
In the spring of 2023, various exhibitions took place in the "Soara", including:
"La Via Crucis di Cristo e dei Popoli" featuring olive wood sculptures by Cosimo Damiano Latorre.
Paintings by Antonio Ferrari depicting the beauty of nature and the seasons.
"Moldova" – art and traditions of a traveling people, presented through craftsmanship, ceramics, and photographs by Vitalie Parlui and Adrian Triboi.
These events provide insight into the local art scene and promote cultural exchange within the community.
The former Magnesia factory in Angera has evolved from an industrial center to a vibrant cultural meeting point that preserves the history of the place while also promoting contemporary art.
