Reitano
A unique sculpture park in Europe
Fiumara d'arte is an open-air museum that stretches along the twenty kilometers of the Tusa riverbank in Sicily. Started in 1982, the sculpture park consists of twelve different sites and features land art installations, interior decorations, and contemporary sculptures created by artists from all over the world. This park is considered one of the largest and most important sculpture parks in Europe, a real attraction for artists, art lovers, and tourists.
The history of Fiumara d'arte
In 1982, real estate entrepreneur Antonio Presti decided to create a sculpture in memory of his recently deceased father. The completed work, titled "La materia poteva non esserci" and standing 18 meters high, was placed on the mouth of the Tusa stream in 1986. Presti decided to add more works to create a sculptural park and founded the Fiumara d'arte Cultural Association, now known as the Antonio Presti Foundation - Fiumara d'arte. Local authorities were enthusiastic about the idea, and Presti received permission to place the works along the riverbank.
Over the following years, numerous other works were placed, including "Energia mediterranea" by Antonio Di Palma, "Stanza di barca d'oro" by Hidetoshi Nagasawa, and "Arethusa" by Piero Dorazio and Graziano Marini. In 1991, Presti built the Atelier sul mare hotel in Castel di Tusa, where each room is decorated by one or more contemporary artists. In addition, the first edition of "Un chilometro di tela" was organized in Pettineo, during which dozens of artists created paintings that were then cut up and given away to the citizens of Pettineo, creating the "Domestic Museum".
Participation of artists and the community
Fiumara d'arte has become a place of great importance for the art world and has attracted the participation of numerous artists from all over the world. The collective work "Il muro della vita" was created by forty ceramicists from all over Europe, while "Un chilometro di tela" saw the participation of dozens of artists.
Fiumara d'arte is also notable for its interaction with the local community. Art has been brought out of museums and galleries and has reached the citizens of these quiet parts of Sicily. The idea of creating an open-air museum has not only brought the beauty of art to these places, but has also encouraged community participation, making them an active part of the creative process.
A unique experience for visitors
For visitors, Fiumara d'arte offers a unique experience: a walk along the riverbank to discover the most striking contemporary artworks of our time. The visit can be done independently or through guided tours, and there is the possibility to taste typical Sicilian products such as local cheese or to visit nearby cities and towns, such as Castel di Tusa, Mistretta, and Pettineo.
In conclusion, Fiumara d'arte is a true hidden gem of Sicily: an open-air museum that showcases contemporary art in a surprising and unique way, with a high-level artistic offering. Fiumara d'arte is also an intensely human experience, capable of involving the community and the visitor in the creative process.
