Incontemporanea
Contemporary art, artist's books and performances among the Este Delights
About Incontemporanea
When contemporary art dialogues with the Este Delights
Every spring, Incontemporanea brings contemporary art into the historic sites of the Ferrara region, choosing the suggestive Este Delights, a UNESCO heritage site, as its stage. The exhibition, conceived and curated by Silvia Landi, is a widespread project that creates a dialogue between past and present: works by contemporary artists are displayed in the halls and courtyards of Renaissance residences, creating a short circuit between historical memory and current creativity.
The heart of the event is located in Gambulaga, a hamlet of the Municipality of Portomaggiore, in the Este Delight of Verginese (Via Verginese 56), a 16th-century residence immersed in the Ferrara countryside. From here, the exhibition extends to the Este Delight of Belriguardo in Voghiera and, for the closing event, to the Palazzo della Camera di Commercio of Ferrara, in Largo Castello.
Exhibitions, artist's books and performances
Incontemporanea is not just an exhibition: it is an interweaving of languages. Alongside collective and solo exhibitions, there is space for artist's books, art objects that combine word and image, and live performances, moments that animate the inauguration and special events. Each edition involves dozens of artists from all over Italy, giving voice to both established names and emerging talents.
- Collective exhibitions dedicated to the locations (Verginese, Belriguardo) and themes such as the dialogue between art and environment.
- Solo exhibitions that delve into the research of individual artists.
- Artist's books presented and published during the exhibition.
- Performances, concerts and guided tours, including evening ones, within the Delights.
A project rooted in the territory
Supported by the patronage of UNESCO, the Municipality of Portomaggiore, and the Municipality of Voghiera, as well as the Civic Museum of Belriguardo, Incontemporanea enhances the Este architectural heritage by returning it to the community through art. The event confirms the Province of Ferrara, in Emilia-Romagna, as a vibrant hub of the contemporary art scene, capable of combining cultural tourism, rediscovery of villages, and creative research. Admission is free at all venues, for an experience accessible to everyone.
Incontemporanea — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the eighth of the exhibition curated by Silvia Landi and subtitled "Emilia Romagna", showcased 88 artists from all over Italy with 5 exhibitions, 11 artist's books, and 3 live performances. The inauguration took place on Saturday, February 28, at the Delizia del Verginese, while the closing, on March 29, brought art to the Palazzo della Camera di Commercio in Ferrara with the presentation of publications. The event reaffirmed its commitment to fostering dialogue between contemporary creativity and Este heritage.
Programme Incontemporanea 2026
February 28 — Delizia Estense del Verginese (Gambulaga, Portomaggiore)
- 4:00 PM — Inauguration with performance by Roberto Bellucci
- 5:00 PM — "What if a Castle at Night...", guided night tour with Elena Grinetti
At Verginese, the exhibitions include: the collective exhibitions "Verginese – Portomaggiore" and "Past and Present"; the solo exhibitions "Art and Environment in Dialogue" by Florence Antibrote Brandalesi and "Characters from the Past" by Fabiana Toffano.
March 1 – 29 — Delizia Estense del Belriguardo (Voghiera)
- 4:00 PM (March 1) — Opening of the collective exhibition "Belriguardo – Voghiera" with twelve artists and presentation of the artist's book
March 15 — Delizia del Verginese
- 3:00 PM — Musical concert with tasting (Poliphonic Association "Il nuovo Echo")
March 29 — Palazzo della Camera di Commercio (Largo Castello, Ferrara)
- 10:00 AM — Closing event with presentation of artist's books and performance
Venue Hours
- Verginese: Wednesday-Friday 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Belriguardo: Sundays 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Highlights Incontemporanea 2026
Prices Incontemporanea 2026
Practical information — Incontemporanea
How to get there
The main venue is the Este Delight of Verginese, at Via Verginese 56 in Gambulaga, a hamlet of Portomaggiore (FE). It is easily accessible by car from the SS16 and the provincial road network of Ferrara; Portomaggiore is about 25 km from Ferrara. The Portomaggiore railway station is served by the Ferrara-Codigoro line.
Venues and admission
There are three venues: Delizia del Verginese (Gambulaga, Portomaggiore), Delizia del Belriguardo (Voghiera), and Palazzo della Camera di Commercio (Largo Castello, Ferrara). Free admission at all venues.
Tips
Check the updated opening hours on the organizers' channels before your visit, as they vary depending on the venue and the day of the week.
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Where does it take place — Incontemporanea
Delizia Estense del Verginese
Via Verginese 56, Gambulaga, 44015 Portomaggiore