If you fancy a day off, Villa Panza is one the best places one can visit from Milano with a short train journey.
No matter the weather, the season, the mood.
Its permanent collection or any temporary show scheduled will make the trip worth.

The Villa is half of XVIII cen. U shape typical Baroc style, but twisted the other way round it is facing the park rather than the entrance to enhance intimacy and delight. A real boost to the feeling of the landscape in such a heavenly place.

Since early XIX cen, an English park with a romantic lake, a grotto for ice storing and a folly outline the frame of the grounds. An Italian formal Garden will follow.
Still one can walk across a splendid Hornbeam hedge (Carpinus betulus), some aged stone ornaments alternate with box balls on the main lawn next to the greenhouse. The place vibrates with beauty and charme.

   
Inside and outside the Hornbeam Hedge

Passionate owner Ernesto Panza di Biumo bought the run down property in 1935. Piero Portaluppi was the architect in charge of the conservation-restauration project to bring the villa back to its original splendor. He was an Archistar and he mastered the mission very dearly.

Panza’s four sons and daughter inherited the Villa but the heir who turned this place into a mecca of art was Giuseppe. Contemporary art as well as land art were his passions. He has been one of the most keen collector of artists playing with light of all time. Rooms are still filled with works by masters such as Dan Flavin (Santa Maria Annunciata in Chiesa Rossa by the same artist in Milano) Robert Irwin, James Turrell and land artist Andy Goldsworthy was one of his protégés.

In 1996 Giuseppe Panza donated his Property to FAI with what was letf of the collection, that sadly had to be partly distributed to main Musuems world wide for lack of founds and for maintenance found raising.

Under FAI loving cares, the Villa is now far away from troubles.
The permanent Collection is safe and next to it exceptional performances and temporary shows are in schedule throughout the year.

Special admission tickets to all members of the UK National Trust.

Temporary landart installation in 2025

 

Cafeteria, Restaurant and bistrot are available with special treats.
Choose the mood you feel: in the garden, in the villa, in the conservaotry.

How to get there
Villa Panza di Biumo can be reached by car, but also by train. It is an easy and pleasant go from Cadorna Train Station (the very same that connects to Malpensa Airport). Journey takes about an hour to Varese Train Station + a pleasant 15 minutes walk.

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