Verbano Model Show
International static modelling and historical figure competition on Lake Maggiore
About Verbano Model Show
Verbano Model Show: Miniature History in Stresa
The Verbano Model Show is one of the most important static modelling events in Italy and among the most renowned in Europe. It takes place annually at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Stresa, located at Piazzale Europa 3, in the heart of the town overlooking Lake Maggiore, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont. The event is organized by the Model Club V.C.O. of Verbania, with the support of the AMB Club of Brescia and numerous modelling associations from Northern Italy.
An international modelling competition
The heart of the event is the international modelling competition, which draws hundreds of modellers, painters, and collectors from all over Europe. The entries range from scale military and civilian vehicles to aircraft, ships, and dioramas, as well as highly refined historical figures (toy soldiers), the true specialty of the exhibition. The competition is divided into major macro-categories—Figures, Vehicles, and Junior—each split into Standard and Master levels, allowing every participant to compete against enthusiasts of their own skill level. A jury of industry experts and historical collectors evaluates the works and awards gold, silver, and bronze medals, alongside numerous special prizes.
More than just a competition: culture and outreach
Alongside the competition, the Verbano Model Show offers a packed calendar of free activities open to the public: painting and decoration technique workshops led by international masters, historical lectures, book and monograph presentations, live demonstrations, and costumed re-enactments. The exhibition thus combines a passion for modelling with historical outreach, making the event suitable for specialists, families, and curious visitors alike.
On Lake Maggiore
The setting of Stresa, the pearl of Lake Maggiore and a famous tourist destination, adds charm to an event that has become a benchmark for the sector. Born from the experience of the Stresa World Model Expo 2014, the Verbano Model Show has grown edition after edition into a community of enthusiasts who meet every year to share a hobby rooted in patience, precision, and a love for history. Admission to the event is free.
Verbano Model Show — edition 2026
Verbano Model Show 2026: numeri da record a Stresa
L'edizione 2026 ha confermato la crescita della manifestazione: 2.468 modelli in concorso suddivisi in 46 categorie, 460 modellisti iscritti, 358 diorami storici e di fantasia, 430 modelli nelle vetrine storiche e oltre 100 opere di giudici, ospiti e staff. Presenti inoltre 45 espositori commerciali, italiani e stranieri.
Il tema dell'anno, "La Storia in Miniatura. Gli eserciti che fecero l'Italia", celebrava il 165° anniversario dell'Unità d'Italia e l'80° della Repubblica, con un'attenzione particolare all'evoluzione delle uniformi militari. La giuria ha assegnato 590 medaglie complessive (174 ori, 176 argenti, 240 bronzi), oltre a una cinquantina di premi speciali di club e aziende e a una trentina di riconoscimenti istituzionali e "best".
Programme Verbano Model Show 2026
Venerdì 22 maggio
- 15:00 - 19:00 — Apertura della manifestazione, allestimento delle vetrine espositive e accettazione dei modelli in concorso al Palazzo dei Congressi.
Sabato 23 maggio
- 09:00 - 19:00 — Esposizione e concorso aperti al pubblico.
- Workshop sulla composizione cromatica di vignette e diorami a cura del maestro Mike Blank.
- Presentazione della monografia di Ugo Giberti dedicata al corpo dei bersaglieri.
- Esposizione dei velivoli dell'Aeronautica Militare in scala a cura dell'associazione "Frecce Tricolori".
- Plastico dedicato allo storico trenino del Mottarone, realizzato dal modellista Franchini.
Domenica 24 maggio
- 09:00 - 17:00 — Esposizione e concorso aperti al pubblico.
- Giornata dedicata alla storia del West e degli indiani d'America, con la presentazione di due volumi a tema.
- Premiazioni del concorso internazionale e consegna delle medaglie e dei premi speciali.
Highlights Verbano Model Show 2026
Prices Verbano Model Show 2026
Practical information — Verbano Model Show
Location
Palazzo dei Congressi di Stresa, Piazzale Europa 3, 28838 Stresa (VB), Piedmont. A short walk from the train station and the centre of Stresa, on Lake Maggiore.
When
Every year in May, over three days (Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday).
Admission
Free admission for visitors. Participation in the competition is reserved for modellers registered according to the official regulations.
How to get there
Stresa is easily accessible by train (Milan-Domodossola line) and by car via the A26 motorway. The Palazzo dei Congressi is centrally located, close to the town's hotels and restaurants.
Information
Official website: www.verbaniamodelshow.it — Follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
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Where does it take place — Verbano Model Show
Palazzo dei Congressi di Stresa
Piazzale Europa 3, 28838 Stresa