Located in the heart of Turin, the Museum of Oriental Art (Museo d’Arte Orientale) is a hidden gem that beckons lovers of art, history, and culture. Nestled within the historic Palazzo Mazzonis, this museum, which opened its doors in 2008, offers a captivating journey through the artistic landscapes of Asia. With its diverse and rich collection, the Museum of Oriental Art provides an unparalleled window into the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the vast and varied continent of Asia.
The inception of the Museum of Oriental Art is a story of collaboration and dedication. For years, local institutions pondered over how best to organize and present the existing oriental collections, which were previously housed in the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica. Thanks to the contributions of the Regione Piemonte, the Compagnia di San Paolo, and the Fondazione Agnelli, along with significant support from the Municipality of Turin, the museum was able to amass an impressive array of artifacts. The prestigious Palazzo Mazzonis was chosen as the ideal location for this new cultural hub. Under the direction of Franco Ricca, a passionate scholar of oriental art, the museum flourished, welcoming over 119,000 visitors in 2019 alone.
Stepping into the Museum of Oriental Art is akin to embarking on a grand voyage across Asia. The museum's layout, designed by architect Andrea Bruno, features five distinct sections, each dedicated to a different region of Asia. The museum's interior is a harmonious blend of wood, steel, glass, and evocative graphics, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The journey begins in the atrium, where a spacious glass area houses serene Japanese zen gardens, setting a tranquil tone for the exploration ahead.
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The first section of the museum is dedicated to South Asia and Southeast Asia, encompassing the rich cultural traditions of India, Gandhara, and Indochina. The Indian gallery showcases Hindu and Buddhist-inspired art, with stone sculptures, bronzes, terracottas, and cotton paintings dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 19th century CE. The Gandhara gallery, representing the region between Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan, features Buddhist art from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE, including friezes from the stupa of Butkara and statues in schist, stucco, and terracotta. The Southeast Asian gallery includes works from Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with notable Khmer period sculptures.
The Chinese collection at the Museum of Oriental Art is a testament to the country's millennia-old culture and artistic diversity. Visitors can admire Neolithic pottery, ritual bronzes, and lacquerware from the pre-imperial period to the Han and Tang dynasties. The collection reflects the unique blend of regional diversity and cultural cohesion that has characterized Chinese art throughout history.
The Japanese gallery is a celebration of the country's unique blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and material mastery. The collection includes wooden statues from the 12th to the 17th centuries, folding screens from the 17th to the 19th centuries, textiles, paintings, woodblock prints, lacquered objects, weapons, and armor. The gallery's rotating exhibits ensure that there is always something new to discover, particularly among the textiles, paintings, and prints.
The Himalayan gallery offers a glimpse into the mystical side of Buddhism, showcasing the art of Bhutan, Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, and Tibet. The collection includes wooden and metal sculptures, ritual instruments, tempera paintings (thangka), and intricately carved and painted wooden covers of sacred texts. This gallery is a testament to the spiritual and artistic richness of the Himalayan region.
The Islamic gallery at the Museum of Oriental Art is a treasure trove of manuscripts and artifacts from Turkey, Persia, and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. The collection highlights the significance of calligraphy in Islamic art, featuring Ottoman velvets, ceramics, bronzes, rare Persian manuscripts, and calligraphic copies of the Quran. The gallery's green room creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere, perfect for appreciating the beauty and intricacy of Islamic art.
The Museum of Oriental Art is housed in the historic Palazzo Mazzonis, a building with a rich and varied history. Originally known as Palazzo Solaro della Chiusa, the building underwent significant renovations in the 17th century and became the property of textile industrialist Cav. Paolo Mazzonis di Pralafera in 1870. The palace served as the headquarters of the Manifattura Mazzonis S.n.c. for nearly a century before falling into disrepair. In 1980, the building was acquired by the Municipality of Turin and restored to its former glory. Since 2008, it has been the proud home of the Museum of Oriental Art, offering visitors a unique blend of historical architecture and world-class art.
In conclusion, the Museum of Oriental Art in Turin is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich and diverse artistic traditions of Asia. Its carefully curated collections, immersive exhibits, and historic setting make it a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Museum of Oriental Art promises an unforgettable journey through the cultural landscapes of Asia.
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