CASABIANCA Opens as Art Space with Cova Pastry
Villa CASABIANCA, a refined 1930s residence overlooking Lake Como, has reopened as one of Como’s most thoughtful new cultural destinations. Set within a garden of mature trees along the lakeside, the villa presents itself as both intimate and expansive, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience contemporary art within a domestic, lived-in setting.
The interiors unfold across three floors, where generous rooms alternate with more private, contemplative spaces. Here, art is not confined to white walls but inhabits the villa naturally, moving between interiors and outdoor areas in a continuous visual dialogue. The atmosphere is calm and luminous, designed to encourage unhurried exploration rather than structured viewing.
CASABIANCA houses a significant private collection focused on contemporary Italian and international art, with a particular emphasis on Arte Povera and post-war practices. Around fifty works — including paintings, sculptures and site-specific installations — are distributed throughout the villa. Among the artists represented are Michelangelo Pistoletto, Giulio Paolini, Jannis Kounellis, Joseph Kosuth, Marina Abramović, William Kentridge and Alighiero Boetti. The collection is curated directly by the owners, favouring an emotional and personal approach that invites contemplation rather than interpretation.
Completing the experience is a caffetteria and pasticceria open to the public, managed by Cova. Founded in Milan in 1817, Cova is one of Italy’s most historic pastry houses, long associated with craftsmanship, elegance and the rituals of Italian café culture. Its presence at CASABIANCA introduces a refined gastronomic dimension to the villa.
The pasticceria accompanies guests throughout the day, from breakfast with freshly baked pastries and cappuccinos, to light lunches, afternoon tea and aperitivo. Sweet and savoury offerings are prepared with the same attention to quality and tradition that has defined Cova for over two centuries.
Together, art, architecture and gastronomy position CASABIANCA as more than a villa or gallery. It is a new cultural living space for Como — a place to experience art, pause for a coffee, and enjoy Lake Como today at a slower, more considered rhythm.
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