Italy’s largest contemporary art fair, Artissima, returns to Turin again this weekend, taking up shop in a 65,000-square-foot former Olympic pavilion called the Oval. If you’re visiting the fair, with its more than 200 galleries and 700 artists, you’re likely to have your hands full with the fair itself. But, hey, you’re in Turin! You should take the chance to explore the city, where there’s no shortage of sights to see, or cultural experiences to take in.
But… where to start?
Eugenio Re Rebaudengo, the Turin-born, London-based collector and son of Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, one of the most prominent patrons of the arts in the country, has some ideas. The younger Re Rebaudengo is also the founder of ARTUNER, a hybrid platform for selling art online and through curated pop-up shows worldwide, which is presenting an exhibition of five contemporary painters—Manuele Cerutti, David Czupryn, Patrizio di Massimo, Ana Elisa Egreja, and Katja Seib—called “Through the Looking Glass” at the Palazzo Capris during the fair.
We spoke to Re Rebaudengo for his insider’s guide to the city; the below recommendations are in his words.
What to See
A painting by Sanya Kantarovsky, on view at the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Courtesy the artist.
During Artissima, Turin comes alive with museum and gallery openings. The opening show of the new Officine Grandi Riparazioni Museum promises to be a highlight, while the survey of work by the rising-star painter Sanya Kantarovsky and the group show “Come una Falena alla Fiamma” (“Like a Moth to a Flame”) at the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo shouldn’t be missed. [Editor’s note: That’s his family’s art space.]
Where to Shop
The chocolate shop Guido Gobino. Courtesy of Guido Gobino.
Turin is world-renowned for its chocolate. To get the best of it, pay a visit to the exquisite artisan chocolate shop Guido Gobino. Then be sure to head to the recently opened concept store Lagrange 12, located just a short stroll away from the chocolatiers inside an historic 17th-century building.
Where to Eat
The dining space at Del Cambio.
There are many famous restaurants in Turin, so it’s good to go somewhere off the beaten path. One of the best places to eat in Turin is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, Del Cambio. It’s the perfect place to have dinner while being immersed in art, both contemporary and classic, with works by artists such as Michelangelo and Pistoletto on the walls. I also recommend Ristorante Solferino, which is a great place to discover Piedmontese cuisine.
Where to Stay
The Turin Palace Hotel. Courtesy of the Turin Palace Hotel.
The Turin Palace Hotel is a first-class hotel not far from the Porta Nuova statio and Hotel Principi di Piemonte, and boasts unmatched views of the city center.
More Insider Tips
Mark Mander’s installation at the Egyptian Museum. Courtesy the Egyptian Museum.
I highly recommend visiting Casa Mollino, the home of one of Italy’s most influential 20th-century designers, Carlo Mollino. Admission is by appointment only, though, so make sure you book a time in advance.
Finally, I would suggest taking a trip to the Museo Egizio, or the Egyptian Museum. It’s a popular attraction, sure, but my insider tip is to visit the room with Mark Manders’s sculpture. This is the first time the museum has shown contemporary art. It will also be part of the Notte delle Arti Contemporanee/Contemporary Art Night circuit for Artissima.