Festival of Mythology
Ancient and new myths explained by philosophers at Villa Arconati
About Festival of Mythology
Myths that Speak to the Present
The Festival of Mythology 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 Augusto Rancilio Foundation, it offers a series of talks where philosophers and scholars reinterpret the myths of antiquity to question our time.
The 2026 Theme
The 3rd edition has as its common thread "Myth is looking at the world through different eyes": a journey that investigates the enduring relevance of ancient myths and, at the same time, deconstructs the "false myths" of the present—prejudices, stereotypes, and disinformation. The Sunday morning talks alternate philosophical reflection and storytelling, with leading speakers from the Italian intellectual scene.
Culture and Baroque Setting
The review is part of the activities that animate Villa Arconati year-round, a 17th-century residence nicknamed the "little Versailles" of Milan. Alongside the talks, the program includes art exhibitions and workshops for children, fostering a dialogue between historical heritage, thought, and creativity.
Festival of Mythology — edition 2026
The 3rd edition of the Festival of Mythology is held 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 through 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 the psychologist and writer Maria Rita Parsi. The opening day also features an art exhibition curated by Diana Segantini and the "Let's Draw Art" workshop for children.
Programme Festival of Mythology 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, register via Eventbrite)
Highlights Festival of Mythology 2026
Prices Festival of Mythology 2026
Practical information — Festival of Mythology
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 of Mythology
Sala Museo di Villa Arconati
Villa Arconati, Castellazzo di Bollate, 20021 Bollate