Naturalis Historia: Lake Como Design Festival Embarks

  • September 11, 2023

Ahead of its fifth return from September 16 to 24 2023, Lake Como Design Festival announced its curators, programme, locations, exhibitions and schedule of talks. 

This edition Lake Como Design Festival chooses the observation of nature as its guiding theme. In the year of the Bimillenary of the birth of Pliny the Elder (Como, 23 A.D.), the title of this new event, “Naturalis Historia,” aims to pay tribute to the writer and naturalist, highlighting his eclectic character and his curiosity for forgotten things, new things, and valuable things.

In 2023 the Festival presents two exhibitions that will enliven the historic centre of Como during the event: two exhibitions focused on nature and the animal world, inspired by Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia. This work gives the title to the 2023 edition of the festival.

Among the numerous initiatives of the 2023 Lake Como Design Festival edition, taking place from September 16 to 24, 2023, in the city of Como, and unfolding through a series of talks, installations, and widespread events, there are two exhibitions hosted in the city centre in collaboration with Arte Applicata: “Between Art and Nature: Photographs from the collection of Fondazione Sozzani” and “The Other Animals.” The two exhibitions aim to emphasize the close relationship between the arts and nature, exploring in an unconventional way the “four kingdoms” analyzed by Pliny the Elder in his monumental book Naturalis Historia.

The fifth edition opens the doors of the historic Villa Olmo with a new event that brings together designers, artists, publishers, and galleries of modern and contemporary design. A series of special projects unfold in a unique setting, immersed in a large Italian garden overlooking the first basin of Lake Como. Among the exhibitors who will grace the villa rooms are Kris Ruhs, Ken Scott Archive, Movimento, Draga & Aurel, and many others.

design villa olmo

The Lake Como Design Festival is an annual themed event that offers exhibition, reflection and research through a series of events in the historic centre of the city of Como and around the lake that bears its name. These exhibitions, lectures, and events occur in historical, unknown and almost forgotten places. The festival’s mission is to create an original dialogue between history, design, architecture and art.

Dates: September 16 – 24, 2023

Info: info@lakecomodesignfestival.com


Related articles:

Seven Books about Lake Como to Buy on Amazon

The Most Instagramable Hotels on Lake Como

72 Hours on Lake Como

The 5 Italian Cuisine Restaurants on Lake Como

Living the Italian Dream: Villa Passalacqua Opens in Lake Como

Sign up for COMO LAKE Today newsletter.

Experiences
Menaggio, Lake Como: Live the Dolce Vita Like a Local

Nestled between Bellagio and Varenna, Menaggio is strategically located in the “Golden Triangle” of Lake Como. With its picturesque views,…

May 2025
News
Discover Luxury Como: High Jewelry, Vintage, and Watches

From Friday, May 24th, to Sunday, May 26th, indulge in a three-day extravaganza showcasing the finest in High Jewelry, Vintage…

May 2024
News
Harry’s Bar: Lake Como’s Valentine’s Dining Destination

This Valentine’s Day, indulge in a memorable culinary experience at Harry’s Bar, one of the most beloved restaurants on Lake…

February 2025
You may also like
News
The Grand Hotel Victoria Opens in Menaggio

During the Belle Époque, the Grand Hotel welcomed wealthy English, German and Russian families, who descended from the Engadine, followed…

May 2021
News
Como Lake Cocktail Week is Ready to Shake the Lake

From the heart of the walled city of Como to scenic grand hotels “pieds dans l’eau” of Lake Como, the…

June 2024
News
Lady Gaga Has Arrived on Lake Como for Filming

Lady Gaga participates in Ridley Scott’s new film “House of Gucci”, which takes place in Italy. The movie is based…

March 2021
News
Discover Luxury Como: High Jewelry, Vintage, and Watches

From Friday, May 24th, to Sunday, May 26th, indulge in a three-day extravaganza showcasing the finest in High Jewelry, Vintage…

May 2024
News
Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA Presented the New Hotel Offers

During the closing period, Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA has undergone a significant transformation and updated the large areas…

July 2020