Tucked away on the first floor of the 19th-century Villa Avondo, overlooking the serene River Po in the heart of Turin, lies a hidden gem that offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Italy’s most multifaceted creative geniuses. The Museo Casa Mollino is a portal into the life, work, and symbolism of Carlo Mollino, a man whose talents spanned architecture, design, photography, writing, and even aeronautics.
Carlo Mollino, born in Turin in 1905, was a Renaissance man of the 20th century. Known for architectural marvels like the Teatro Regio and the iconic Turin Chamber of Commerce building. Mollino was also a prolific designer, photographer, and writer. Between 1960 and 1968, he designed the apartment at Villa Avondo as a deeply personal project imbued with symbolism. Every piece of furniture, every object, and every detail was artfully chosen or designed by Mollino himself. The Villa reflects his eclectic tastes and intellectual depth.
The apartment is a testament to Mollino’s unique vision of combining surrealism, elegance, and functionality. The furnishings, arranged with precision, tell the story of a man who saw design as an extension of his inner world. With the sinuous curves of the furniture and the curated artworks, the space is a masterpiece of interior design transcending time.
Museo Casa Mollino Born from Passion and Preservation
After Mollino’s untimely death in 1973, the apartment was saved from oblivion by engineer Aldo Vandoni, who used it as his studio until 1999. It was then that Fulvio Ferrari and Napoleone Ferrari stepped in, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the space. Through painstaking research and restoration, they transformed the apartment into the Museo Casa Mollino. A museum dedicated to preserving and promoting Mollino’s legacy.
Today, the museum houses almost all of the original furnishings and objects designed or chosen by Mollino. Complemented by an extensive archive of documents, publications, and photographs. The museum serves as an international reference point for scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts of Mollino’s work.
A Privileged Experience
Visiting the Museo Casa Mollino is an intimate experience. Open only by appointment. The museum offers two-hour guided tours in Italian, English, or French, during which visitors are led through the story of Mollino’s life and the symbolism of the apartment. The tour culminates with a 30-minute video titled “Seance” by artist Yuri Ancarani, a hauntingly beautiful exploration of Mollino’s world.
Carlo Mollino’s influence extends far beyond the walls of the Museo Casa Mollino. His vintage furniture pieces are highly sought after, with one of his tables fetching a staggering $6.2 million at auction in New York in 2021. His architectural works, including the Rai Auditorium and the Turin Chamber of Commerce, continue to inspire architects and designers around the world.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the life and work of this extraordinary figure, the Museo Casa Mollino is an unmissable destination. It is a place where art, design, and history converge. A rare opportunity to connect with the genius of Carlo Mollino.
