MAG Alto Garda Museum
Museum – Riva del Garda, Lake Garda
The MAG Museum is a cultural institution that comprises two significant venues: the Museum of Riva del Garda and the G. Segantini City Gallery in Arco. The headquarters, located in the Rocca of Riva del Garda, a medieval castle on the lakeside, features three permanent sections, temporary exhibition spaces, and the ‘INvento’ workshop itinerary designed for younger visitors and their families.
The Museum of Riva del Garda offers breathtaking views of the lake, while the G. Segantini City Gallery in Arco stands at the foot of Castle Mount, overlooking the Sarca Valley. These venues intertwine history, archaeology, landscape, art, and contemporary culture, providing a comprehensive exploration of the region’s heritage and its relevance to the present and future.
The Rocca houses the main sections of the MAG Alto Garda Museum. The Archaeology section is renowned for its stele statues, precious artifacts from the Copper Age of international interest. The Picture Gallery showcases 19th-century landscapes painted by artists enchanted by Garda’s natural beauty, featuring works by Pietro Ricchi, Vincenzo Vela, and Francesco Hayez.
The History section delves into the rich past of Riva del Garda and the Lower Sarca area, highlighting the influence of various conquerors, including the Veronese, Milanese, and Venetians. It also celebrates the golden era when Riva del Garda became a favored tourist destination for luminaries such as Thomas Mann and Franz Kafka.
The MAG dedicates substantial space to temporary exhibitions and research projects throughout the year. These initiatives offer contemporary interpretations of the museum’s historic and artistic heritage, along with views on landscape and modern culture.
The ‘INvento’ project creates a family-friendly environment within the museum. This permanent workshop trail features various stations with educational activities and creative games, allowing children to learn while having fun. It includes opportunities to experiment with different painting materials and techniques and an exciting treasure hunt among the collection’s works.
A visit to MAG Alto Garda Museum is incomplete without climbing the Mastio, the main tower of the Rocca, which offers stunning views of the city and the lake. This enchanting panorama can also be enjoyed from the Apponale Tower, a short walk from the museum across the town center.