Kunst in der Kartause

Contemporary art within the walls of an ancient Charterhouse

Kunst in der Kartause is a contemporary art exhibition promoted by the Kulturverein Schnals in the heart of Val Senales, in the Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). The venue is one of the most evocative spots in the valley: the former Allerengelberg Charterhouse, located in the village of Certosa/Karthaus (Municipality of Senales/Schnals), a Carthusian monastery founded in the 14th century whose medieval structures are now seamlessly integrated with the village architecture.

A biennial exhibition in dialogue with the territory

The event is held on a biennial basis: since 2021, it has taken place in odd-numbered years, alternating in even years with Kulturlarch, another cultural project by the Kulturverein Schnals dedicated to music, traditions, and new performance spaces throughout the valley. Each edition of Kunst in der Kartause is entrusted to a guest curator or institution, who selects artists and defines a theme to shape the exhibition path, which spreads across the former convent's rooms and the village's public spaces.

Art, nature, and high altitude

What makes this exhibition unique is the close bond between the artworks and the alpine context of Val Senales: the installations, photographs, and performances are not merely displayed in a gallery, but enter into a relationship with the medieval stone, the mountain light, and the daily life of the village. The 2025 edition, titled Unteroberwasser, was curated by Simone Mair and Lisa Mazza of the BAU – Institute for Contemporary Art and Ecology, reinforcing the exhibition's commitment to intertwining artistic languages with environmental reflection.

How to experience the event

• A widespread exhibition path between the former Charterhouse and the streets of Certosa/Karthaus, perfect to combine with a hike in Val Senales.
• Accompanying program featuring guided tours, workshops, and performances.
• A unique opportunity to discover lesser-known historical heritage through the lens of contemporary art.

Dates and themes for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: 2026 is dedicated to the Kulturlarch festival, while the next edition of Kunst in der Kartause is expected to follow its usual biennial schedule.