Verbano Model Show Italy

The capital of modeling on Lake Maggiore

The Verbano Model Show Italy is one of Italy's most significant events dedicated to static modeling. It takes place annually in Stresa, an elegant town in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province overlooking Lake Maggiore, in the heart of Piedmont. The event is hosted in the prestigious Palazzo dei Congressi on Piazzale Europa, just a short walk from the lakefront and the ferry terminal for the Borromean Islands.

Organized by the Model Club VCO, the event was established in 2006 and has grown over the years into an international benchmark. The centerpiece is the Trofeo Città di Stresa, an international modeling competition that attracts hundreds of contestants each year.

Thousands of models in competition

The atmosphere in the halls of Stresa is truly unique: rows of illuminated display cases house thousands of models crafted with extraordinary attention to detail, ranging from scale military vehicles and aircraft to historical figurines and fantasy dioramas. The entries are evaluated by a panel of experts and awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, alongside numerous special prizes presented by clubs and industry companies.

• Military modeling — tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery in scale
• Aeronautics — historical and contemporary aircraft, often featuring models related to the Italian Air Force
• Figurines and dioramas — historical scenes crafted with meticulous detail
• Fantasy category — imaginative and sci-fi subjects

More than just a competition

The Verbano Model Show is not just about competition. The program includes workshops and seminars led by internationally renowned master modelers, historical lectures, presentations of specialized books, and themed exhibitions that follow a different theme each year. Dozens of commercial exhibitors from Italy and abroad complete the offering, making Stresa the ideal place to purchase kits, accessories, paints, and modeling materials.

Thanks to its location and free admission, the event attracts not only professionals but also families and tourists visiting Lake Maggiore, offering a discovery experience accessible to everyone.