Festival della Mitologia
Edition 2026 Literature Heritage History

Festival della Mitologia

Ancient and new myths told by philosophers at Villa Arconati

Bollate — Milano (215) Since 2024
Dates 19 Apr — 16 Jun 2026
Location Bollate (215)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Festival della Mitologia

The Festival della Mitologia brings to Villa Arconati a series of Sunday talks where Italian philosophers and intellectuals re-examine the great myths of antiquity to illuminate the present. Directed by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory and organized by the Fondazione Augusto Rancilio, the festival revolves around the idea that "myth is looking at the world with different eyes": from the myth of Narcissus to Gilgamesh, from symbols to the figure of Leonardo, each event intertwines classical culture, philosophy, and current affairs within the baroque setting of the villa in Castellazzo di Bollate.

Myths that Speak to the Present

The Festival della Mitologia is a cultural review held in the Sala Museo of Villa Arconati, in Castellazzo di Bollate (Metropolitan City of Milan). Directed by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory and organized by the Fondazione Augusto Rancilio, it offers a series of talks where philosophers and scholars re-examine the myths of antiquity to question our time.

The 2026 Theme

The 3rd edition has as its guiding theme "Myth is looking at the world with different eyes": a journey that investigates the enduring relevance of ancient myths and, at the same time, deconstructs present-day "false myths"—prejudices, stereotypes, and misinformation. The Sunday talks, held in the late morning, alternate philosophical reflection and storytelling, featuring prominent speakers from the Italian intellectual scene.

Culture and Baroque Setting

The review is part of the year-round activities animating Villa Arconati, a 17th-century residence nicknamed Milan's "little Versailles." Alongside the talks, the program includes art exhibitions and workshops for children, fostering a dialogue between historical heritage, thought, and creativity.

Festival della Mitologia — edition 2026

The 3rd edition of the Festival della Mitologia takes place at Villa Arconati with four Sunday talks at 11:00 AM between April and June 2026, on the theme "Myth is looking at the world with different eyes." Featuring Italian philosophers and intellectuals, directed by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, organized by Fondazione Augusto Rancilio.

The 3rd edition of the Festival della Mitologia takes place in the Sala Museo of Villa Arconati, in Castellazzo di Bollate, with four Sunday events at 11:00 AM between April 19 and June 16, 2026.

The theme of the edition is "Myth is looking at the world with different eyes". The first talk, on April 19, is dedicated to "Against Narcissus" with moral philosopher Francesca Nodari (a scholar of Lévinas), in tribute to psychologist and writer Maria Rita Parsi. The opening day also hosts an art exhibition curated by Diana Segantini and the children's workshop "Let's Draw Art."

Programme Festival della Mitologia 2026

Sunday Talks — Villa Arconati, 11:00 AM

  • Sunday, April 19 — "Against Narcissus" with Francesca Nodari, moral philosopher and scholar of Emmanuel Lévinas, in tribute to Maria Rita Parsi
  • Sunday, May 10 — Talk on "Emojis and Symbols" with Elio Franzini
  • Monday, May 11 — Leonardo and Mythology with Pietro Marani
  • Tuesday, June 16 — Gilgamesh with Stefano de Martino

Side Activities (April 19)

  • Art exhibition curated by Diana Segantini (until July 5)
  • Children's workshop "Let's Draw Art," 3:00 PM-4:30 PM (€5 per child, €11 per adult, registration via Eventbrite)

Highlights Festival della Mitologia 2026

Theme "Myth is looking at the world with different eyes"; speakers Francesca Nodari, Elio Franzini, Pietro Marani, and Stefano de Martino; directed by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory.

Prices Festival della Mitologia 2026

Free admission talks with limited seating; villa access may require a ticket. Children's workshop €5/child, €11/adult.

Practical information — Festival della Mitologia

When

Four Sunday events at 11:00 AM, between April and June 2026 (April 19, May 10, May 11, June 16).

Where

Sala Museo of Villa Arconati, Castellazzo di Bollate (MI).

Admission

The talks are free admission with limited seating; access to the villa may require a ticket. Children's workshops have a dedicated cost with registration via Eventbrite.

How to get there

Villa Arconati is located in Castellazzo di Bollate, reachable by car from the A52 Tangenziale Nord and the SS233 Varesina; the nearest train station is Bollate (suburban line S1).

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Where does it take place — Festival della Mitologia

Sala Museo di Villa Arconati

Villa Arconati, Castellazzo di Bollate, 20021 Bollate

Contact Festival della Mitologia

Festival della Mitologia in brief

Literature Heritage History Folk traditions Family Free Multidisciplinary Milano

History of Festival della Mitologia