Vincenzo Vela Museum

The Vincenzo Vela museum has its origins in the bequest of Spartaco Vela, son of Vincenzo Vela, a sculptor. In 1892, Spartaco Vela donated it to the Swiss Confederation. This museum, previously the residence of the famous sculptor, is located in Mendrisio, in the Ligornetto district.

Vincenzo Vela, born in Ligornetto in Mendrisiotto in 1820, was an outstanding representative of Verism and a sculptor of international reputation. Before his death in 1891, his son Spartaco (1854-1895) bequeathed his property to the Confederation with the requirement that a museum or a school be set up. Casa Vela was opened as a museum in 1898, but since 1880 the house, surrounded by a magnificent English garden, had served as the artist's residence and studio with exhibition space.
In the museum you can see sculptures, designs and plaster models that capture Vincenzo Vela's entire work, as well as sketches, drawings, objects by Vincenzo Vela, a rich family library and pictures by contemporary painters.
Lorenzo Vela (1812-1897), Vincenzo's brother, is represented with sculptures and plaster models, Vincenzo Vela's son Spartaco with paintings and ceramics.
Renovated according to architect Mario Botta's design, the museum opened in June 2001 and now features a new interior that puts the valuable collections in the right light.
Vincenzo Vela Park is part of the Gardens of Switzerland, which brings together the most beautiful gardens.